Easy One-Pan Meatball Casserole – A Cheesy Family Favorite!
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal effort? This One-Pan Meatball Casserole is the perfect combination of juicy homemade meatballs, toasted garlic bread, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week, or making a cozy freezer meal, this baked meatball casserole is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Casserole
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Made in one pan – less cleanup!
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Great for meal prep or freezer storage
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Adaptable for slow cooker or Instant Pot
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Classic flavors the whole family will love
Ingredients
For the Homemade Meatballs:
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1 pound ground beef
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2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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1/3 cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Bread Layer:
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1 baguette, sliced
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Casserole Toppings:
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3 cups marinara sauce
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while you prepare the ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine:
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Ground beef
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Chopped garlic
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Breadcrumbs
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Egg
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Chopped parsley
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Salt and pepper
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the meatballs in two batches, about 6–7 minutes per batch, until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Bread Base
Grease a large baking dish. Layer the bottom with slices of baguette.
In a small bowl, mix together:
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Melted butter
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Garlic
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
Brush this mixture generously over the bread slices in the pan.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
On top of the garlic bread:
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Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella
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Pour half of the marinara sauce
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Add the cooked meatballs
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Cover with the remaining marinara sauce
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Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For extra golden cheese, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables
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Great as leftovers or reheated for lunch
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Freeze after baking for a quick future meal
Tips & Variations
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Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
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Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients
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Turn it into a slow cooker meal by layering everything and cooking on low for 4 hours
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Perfect for meal prep: assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight
Make Tonight a Comfort Food Night!
This Meatball Casserole with Garlic Bread Base is the ultimate one-pan dinner that brings everyone to the table. With classic Italian flavors and a cheesy, crispy texture, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.