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Classic Meatball Casserole

Classic Meatball Casserole

This Classic Meatball Casserole features flavorful meatballs, vegetables, and a delicious tomato sauce, baked to perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • skillet
  • Casserole dish

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 count egg
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs or panko crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Sauce and Vegetables

  • 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour or 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch for a gluten-free option
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup water
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves or Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 lbs baby potatoes halved
  • 1 cup carrots chopped into 3-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped into large chunks
  • 2 stalks celery chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, combine 1½ lbs lean ground beef, 1½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, and ½ cup soft breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined and form into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  • Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoon drippings. Stir in 3 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute to make a light roux. Gradually whisk in 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices, 1 cup water, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon dried basil. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add 1½ lbs halved baby potatoes, 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 medium yellow onion (chopped), 2 chopped celery stalks, and the browned meatballs. Stir gently to coat everything in the tomato sauce.
  • Transfer mixture to a large casserole dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender and meatballs are fully cooked.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It can be served with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Baked Dish, casserole, comfort food, Easy Recipe, family meal, meatball
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