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Baked Meatballs Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

This Baked Meatballs Casserole recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy, seasoned meatballs baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep, this casserole combines simple ingredients like extra-lean ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese with fragrant herbs and spices. With a quick stovetop sauté for onions and oven baking for the meatballs, it delivers a savory main course that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • ½ cup red onion (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
  • ¼ cup seasoned keto breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ cup Mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 1 tsp parsley (fresh chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare casserole dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Butter a casserole pan and set it aside, ensuring it is ready for baking the meatballs.
  2. Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent, bringing out their natural sweetness.
  3. Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the extra-lean ground beef, seasoned keto breadcrumbs (or almond flour), grated parmesan cheese, finely chopped parsley, large egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Then add the sautéed onions and thoroughly mix all ingredients together to form a consistent meatball mixture.
  4. Form and place meatballs: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Place them in the prepared casserole dish in a single layer, spaced slightly apart.
  5. Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and have reached an internal temperature safe for consumption. Once done, remove the casserole dish and carefully drain any grease released during baking.
  6. Add sauce and cheese topping: Spoon the tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs, followed by shredding the mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the cheese for added color and flavor.
  7. Final bake to melt cheese: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted completely and is slightly bubbly.
  8. Meal prep and serving: For meal prep, divide the meatballs evenly into 5 glass containers along with desired veggies and mashed cauliflower. Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave each serving for about 1½ to 2 minutes depending on microwave power.

Notes

  • You can substitute keto breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Make sure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
  • Use extra-lean ground beef for a healthier, lower-fat version.
  • This casserole pairs well with mashed cauliflower or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Leftover meatballs can be frozen before or after baking for longer storage.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste; you can add more herbs like oregano or thyme if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/baked-meatballs-casserole-recipe/