Savory Italian Meatball Casserole with Rich Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Savory Italian Meatball Casserole, featuring a delectable blend of ground beef and Italian sausage combined with herbs and spices. These succulent meatballs are nestled in a luscious base of crushed tomatoes, infused with aromatic garlic and topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Romano cheese for that authentic Italian touch. This one-dish wonder not only simplifies prep by eliminating the need for stovetop browning but also intensifies the delightfully rich sauce with the savory juices of the meatballs as they bake to perfection. Ideal for family gatherings, this hearty casserole serves 12 and promises to be a hit at your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (Fresh, brought to room temperature)
Italian sausage
1/2 lb (Fresh, brought to room temperature)
Breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (Plain or Italian-style)
Water
1/3 cup (For breadcrumbs, plus 1/4 cup for sauce)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Garlic, minced
2 large cloves (Minced)
Grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup (For meatball mixture, plus additional for topping)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Garlic cloves
2 (Whole, for sautéing)
Canned crushed tomatoes in puree
1 3/4 cups (Use high-quality canned tomatoes)
Fresh basil leaves
5 leaves (Torn or whole)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning sauce)
Instructions
1
Remove the ground beef and Italian sausage from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 1/3 cup water. Allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the water fully, then incorporate the beaten eggs, minced garlic cloves, grated Romano cheese, salt, and black pepper into the mixture.
3
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
4
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the breadcrumb mixture. Use a fork to mix until well combined, ensuring no visible clumps of meat remain.
5
Shape the meat mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
6
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart to allow even cooking.
7
In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the 2 whole garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the garlic cloves before adding the crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup of water to the saucepan.
8
Introduce the fresh basil leaves to the sauce and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Pour the seasoned tomato mixture over and around the meatballs in the baking dish.
10
Sprinkle the tops of the meatballs with the grated Romano cheese.
11
Bake in the center of the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and register an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Italian Meatball Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring meatballs made from ground beef and Italian sausage nestled in a rich tomato sauce and topped with Romano cheese.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of Italian sausage.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to produce 12 evenly sized meatballs.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long should the meatball casserole bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 25 minutes.
Do I need to brown the meatballs on the stovetop first?
No, this recipe simplifies prep by eliminating the need for stovetop browning.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is used for this recipe.
How should the meatballs be arranged in the dish?
They should be arranged in a single layer, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Why should the meat be brought to room temperature before cooking?
Removing the meat from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes early helps ensure even cooking.
How do I prepare the breadcrumbs for the meatballs?
Combine 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs with 1/3 cup of water and allow the water to be fully absorbed before adding other ingredients.
What kind of cheese is used in the meatballs and as a topping?
Grated Romano cheese is used both in the meat mixture and as a topping.
What type of tomatoes are best for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of high-quality canned crushed tomatoes in puree.
How is the garlic prepared for the tomato sauce?
Two whole garlic cloves are sautéed in olive oil for one minute and then removed before adding the tomatoes.
What fresh herb is added to the sauce?
Five fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, are added to the sauce.
How many eggs are needed for the meatball mixture?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatballs?
The meatballs are cooked through when they register an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
What size should each meatball be?
The meatballs should be approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
How much water is added to the tomato sauce?
A 1/4 cup of water is added to the saucepan with the crushed tomatoes.
What is used to season the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Can I use Italian-style breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to serve 12 people.
What is the benefit of baking the meatballs directly in the sauce?
It intensifies the sauce with the savory juices of the meatballs as they bake.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the garlic.
What should I use to mix the meat and breadcrumb mixture?
A fork is recommended to mix the ingredients until well combined.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a hearty casserole ideal for family gatherings.
How many cloves of garlic are used in total?
The recipe uses 2 large minced cloves for the meatballs and 2 whole cloves for the sauce.
When should I add the Romano cheese topping?
The cheese should be sprinkled over the tops of the meatballs before placing the dish in the oven.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include meatballs, casserole, Italian, comfort food, and easy recipe.
How much salt and pepper are used in the meat mixture?
The mixture uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to bring the ground beef and Italian sausage to room temperature by removing them from the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking.