Smoky Mozzarella Meatball Casserole 🍽️🧀

This Smoky Mozzarella Meatball Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. The combination of smoky flavors, tender meatballs, and gooey mozzarella cheese will tantalize your taste buds! Plus, it's easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it a win in the kitchen!

Pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread for a satisfying meal that everyone will love! 🍞🥗

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the casserole

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Meatballs:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

3. Bake the Meatballs:

   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat until the sauce is warm and fragrant.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
   • Add the baked meatballs on top of the sauce, followed by the remaining marinara sauce.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake the Casserole:

   • Bake in the oven for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving.

🥄 You can prep the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for a couple of hours (or overnight) for even better flavor! Just increase the baking time slightly if cooking from cold.

Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick! 🍴🔥
• Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cheesy: Mix cream cheese into the meatball mixture for added creaminess throughout the casserole.
• High altitude: Increase the temperature by 25 degrees and check for doneness a few minutes early to ensure everything cooks properly.

Enjoy your deliciously smoky and cheesy meatball casserole! 🧀❤️