No-Boil Italian Meatball Casserole
Introduction
This No-Boil Italian Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with minimal fuss. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in rich marinara sauce, layered with pasta that cooks perfectly in the oven without boiling beforehand, and topped with gooey, melted cheese. The aroma of garlic, Italian herbs, and freshly baked cheese fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. It’s a family-friendly dish, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. With layers of flavor and hearty textures, this casserole delivers a satisfying, homemade meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp (2 g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper
For the Casserole
- 250 g (9 oz) uncooked pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
- 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried basil
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Directions
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