Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form small meatballs out of the mixture, making about 16 to 20 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove them from the pan. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce.
- Top with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Enjoy your Meatball Parmesan Casserole straight out of the oven for the best melted cheese experience!