Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatball Casserole With Garlic And Herb Crust

The best thing about casseroles is that they're quick & easy to make, but still taste incredibly delicious! Since casseroles are such a comfort food classic, you probably already have a go-to recipe or 2 up your sleeve, but we're here to add another delicious option to your menu. This mozzarella-stuffed meatball casserole is overflowing with gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and even gets baked with a garlic & herb toast crust so that it's ready to go as soon as you pop it out of the oven. Life couldn't be any easier – or more delicious!

Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

You'll Need:

For the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • ⅓ cup diced onions
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 3 cups bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 mozzarella balls

For the garlic & herb butter:

  • ½ stick butter, softened
  • 1 tsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • ½ tsp salt

For the casserole layers:

  • 4 cups tomato sauce
  • 5 slices of white bread
  • 2½ cups shredded mozzarella

Here's How:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. For the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, mix together all of the ingredients except for the mozzarella balls. Cut both of the mozzarella balls into 8 equally sized pieces. Cover each piece of mozzarella with the ground beef mixture to make 16 stuffed meatballs in total.

2. Cook the meatballs in a large skillet, then add in the tomato sauce and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

3. For the garlic & herb butter, stir together the softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and salt. Spread the garlic & herb butter on 5 slices of white bread and cut each slice of bread in half.

4. Transfer the stuffed meatballs and tomato sauce to a casserole dish. Line the edge of the casserole dish with the slices of bread, making sure the side with the garlic & herb butter is facing inwards. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the stuffed meatballs. Transfer the casserole dish to the oven and bake the mozzarella-stuffed meatball casserole at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Between this easy-to-make casserole's cheesy meatball center and crispy toast crust, it's bound to become one of your household staples. Let the oven do the work and give it a try!

Get the recipe for the Stuffed Crouton Meatballs featured in the bonus video.

Comments

Also hefty