Nothing beats a warm, cheesy, and hearty meatball casserole straight from the oven. This dish combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with a rich tomato sauce, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you're making this for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this dish a breeze to put together.
✔️ Incredible Flavor – From the perfectly seasoned meatballs to the rich, garlicky tomato sauce, every bite is packed with taste.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
✔️ Customizable – Swap the rice for pasta, add veggies, or spice it up to your liking.
Ingredients for the Perfect Meatball Casserole
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended): Ensures juicy, tender meatballs with great flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them soft.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs for tender meatballs.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses a delicious garlic aroma into the meatballs.
- 1 tbsp onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens up the flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs for that classic Italian taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth of taste.
For the Casserole:
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic for a flavorful base.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the tomato sauce its signature savory taste.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth texture and extra depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Enhances the sauce with classic herb flavors.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A touch of heat to round out the sauce.
- 1 cup cooked rice (any type): Adds heartiness to the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a melty, cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked since they will finish in the oven.
- Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the browned meatballs over the rice.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Meatball Casserole
✔️ Use a beef and pork blend: A 50/50 mix of ground beef and ground pork makes the meatballs even juicier and more flavorful.
✔️ Don’t overmix the meatballs: Gently combine the ingredients to keep them light and tender.
✔️ Make it extra cheesy: Add an extra layer of cheddar or provolone cheese for more gooey goodness.
✔️ Add veggies: Boost the nutrition by mixing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
✔️ Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
✔️ Make it low-carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or simply skip it altogether.
What to Serve with Meatball Casserole
This meatball casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- A fresh green salad – A crisp side balances the richness.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables – Such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- A glass of red wine – A bold Italian red like Chianti complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To Store: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45 minutes.
To Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Meatball Casserole
This perfect meatball casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s bursting with flavor. With juicy meatballs, a rich homemade tomato sauce, fluffy rice, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Give it a try, and let the aroma of homemade Italian goodness fill your kitchen. Enjoy!