Hearty Meatball Casserole: A Comforting, Family-Friendly Meal

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
3. Bake the Meatballs:

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole:

Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole:

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes if you want the cheese to become golden and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad.
Serving and Storage Tips