Description
This Classic Meatball Casserole brings together the delicious flavors of seasoned beef meatballs, tender potatoes, and carrots, all baked in a savory tomato sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, black pepper, egg, dried minced onion, and breadcrumbs until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the cooking oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Drain excess fat, keeping about 3 tablespoons in the skillet. Stir in flour to create a light roux, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the diced tomatoes with juices, water, salt, sugar, and basil, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- In the skillet, add the halved baby potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped onion, chopped celery, and the browned meatballs. Gently coat everything with the tomato sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 1 hour, until the vegetables are tender and meatballs are fully cooked.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
For added flavor, incorporate Italian seasoning into the meatball mixture.
Using gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornstarch offers a gluten-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg