Name: Classic Meatball Casserole
Prep time: PT-491727H47M1S
Cook time: PT-491727H47M1S
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1½ lbs lean ground beef; 1½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 egg; 1 tbsp dried minced onion; ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs; 1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour or 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch for a gluten-free option; 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juices; 1 cup water; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp dried basil leaves or italian seasoning; 1½ lbs baby potatoes halved; 1 cup carrots chopped into 3-inch pieces; 1 medium yellow onion chopped into large chunks; 2 celery stalks chopped

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There’s something wonderfully comforting about a classic meatball casserole, especially when it combines tender meatballs with hearty potatoes and vibrant carrots. This dish brings together all the best elements of home-cooked goodness, enveloped in a savory tomato sauce. The meatballs are juicy, and every bite bursts with flavor, while the vegetables find their tender, sweet spot in the oven. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm and fulfilled, perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic Meatball Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic Meatball Casserole

My first experience with the charm of meatball casserole happened during a family get-together. My grandmother served a version that captivated everyone at the table. The nostalgia, combined with the rich aromas wafting through the kitchen, still lingers in my heart. It’s a dish that strokes the soul, making it a beloved choice in countless households. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, a classic meatball casserole is certainly worth adding to your recipe collection. So let’s get started layering some love into this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It’s an easy, one-dish meal that’s ready in about an hour — perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Juicy meatballs soak up the tangy tomato sauce while the veggies add a touch of sweetness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The medley of colors, golden potatoes, bright carrots, and rich tomato sauce creates a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings; everyone loves comfort food.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornstarch for a gluten-free option without sacrificing flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1½ lbs lean ground beef: The star of the dish, providing protein and robust flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
1½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish; always a crucial seasoning.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
1 egg: Binds the meatballs and helps achieve a fluffy texture.
1 tbsp dried minced onion: This adds a sweet, mild onion flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh onions.
½ cup breadcrumbs: They help keep the meatballs tender and juicy. Feel free to use panko crumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs for variations.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs to achieve that perfect golden crust. Vegetable oil is a suitable alternative.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener for the sauce; you can use cornstarch for a gluten-free choice.
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices: Provides a rich, tangy base for the sauce. Ensure to use tomatoes packed in juice — they add extra flavor!
1 cup water: Balances the sauce’s consistency; adjust based on your preference.
½ tsp salt: To round out the flavors in your sauce.
2 tsp granulated sugar: This balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
1 tsp dried basil leaves: Offers an aromatic touch — you can substitute with Italian seasoning if you prefer.
1½ lbs baby potatoes: Halved for convenience; their creaminess pairs beautifully with the sauce.
1 cup carrots: Cut into 3-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and maintain a lovely texture.
1 medium yellow onion: Chopped into large chunks; they caramelize nicely to develop sweetness in the dish.
2 celery stalks: Chopped for added crunch and flavor depth in the casserole.

How to Make Classic Meatball Casserole

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1½ lbs lean ground beef, 1½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 egg, 1 tbsp dried minced onion, and ½ cup breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined and form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You want to handle the meatballs lightly to keep them tender.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside. This step gives the meatballs great flavor while keeping them moist.

Prepare the Sauce: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 3 tbsp of drippings. Stir in 3 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute to create a light roux. Slowly whisk in 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices, 1 cup water, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp dried basil. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Add in 1½ lbs halved baby potatoes, 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 medium yellow onion chopped into large chunks, 2 chopped celery stalks, and the browned meatballs to the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything with the delicious tomato sauce. This part is where all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through. Cooking with the foil on helps the vegetables steam and prevents drying out, preserving that delightful texture.

Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. It’s a fantastic option paired with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Dive in and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For refrigerator storage, transfer to an airtight container where it will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, topping with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them light and tender.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch during the cooking process.
Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to settle, making each serving even better.
Experiment by adding different veggies based on what you have on hand, like bell peppers or green beans, for an added nutrition boost!
Making it ahead? Prepare the casserole the night before and bake it the following day for a hassle-free meal.

Classic meatball casserole proves to be not just a recipe to follow, but a joyful experience to share. This hearty dish combines comforting flavors that invite you to venture into your kitchen and create. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night at home, every bite of this casserole brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Allow your creativity to flow — you could try adding your favorite herbs or veggies to customize the dish.

If you’ve been on the quest for the ultimate comfort food, let this classic meatball casserole be your guiding light. With simple ingredients and a bit of love, the result is a meal that beckons you to savor every moment.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this casserole?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them straight into the sauce without browning first. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to heat through.

Can I make this a vegetarian dish?

Certainly! You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative like lentils or a store-bought meat substitute. Don’t forget to ensure your breadcrumbs are also plant-based!

What can I serve with meatball casserole?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the delightful sauce. You can also add a light vegetable side dish, like steamed broccoli, for extra nutrition.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy, or cut one open; they should be evenly browned and no pink should remain inside.