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As the leaves turn and the temperature drops, there's an undeniable craving for meals that offer warmth and comfort. During the colder months, cozy meals become a staple in many households, providing not just nourishment but also a sense of togetherness. One such dish that embodies the essence of comfort cooking is the Cozy Meatball Casserole. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to bring people together around the table.

Meatball Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cozy Meatball Casserole, perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings. This dish features tender meatballs in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese and served over pasta. Easy to prepare and customize, it blends savory flavors and delightful textures that will warm your heart. Create lasting memories around the dinner table with this satisfying one-dish meal that brings everyone together.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or turkey)

1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

      Prepare the Meatballs:

        In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

          Form the Meatballs:

            Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should have about 24 meatballs.

              Bake the Meatballs:

                Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

                  Assemble the Casserole:

                    In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom. Arrange half of the meatballs over the sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

                      Add More Layers:

                        Pour another cup of marinara sauce over the meatballs and cheese. Layer the remaining meatballs on top, then finish with the last cup of marinara sauce and the rest of the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes over the top for added flavor.

                          Bake the Casserole:

                            Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

                              Garnish and Serve:

                                Once done, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your warm and cozy meatball casserole!

                                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8