Name: Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs lean ground beef; 1½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 egg; 1 tbsp dried minced onion; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juices; 1 cup water; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp dried basil leaves; 1½ lbs baby potatoes; 1 cup carrots; 1 medium yellow onion; 2 celery stalks

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

As you walk into the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of savory beef mingled with fragrant herbs fills the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug. A bubbling dish of Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner) is baking away, its vibrant colors promising a comforting meal that brings back memories of family gatherings around the table. Each bite invokes a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of chubby fingers reaching for seconds, voices animated with laughter, and the comfort of home-cooked goodness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner)

Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner)

This timeless recipe feels particularly special during chilly evenings or festive occasions when everyone gathers. The anticipation builds as you imagine its rich flavors—a delightful mixture of tender meatballs and hearty vegetables, enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce! With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this cozy dish, sure to spark joy and warmth in your own home. So let’s roll up our sleeves and prepare to taste the past!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it together in just about 30 minutes, and let the oven do the rest.
Irresistible Flavor: This casserole is a blend of savory and sweet, with a comforting texture that warms your soul.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its colorful veggies and golden-brown cheese topping, it’s as pretty as it is tasty!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks; it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free needs by swapping breadcrumbs and flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1½ lbs lean ground beef: This gives your meatballs a rich flavor while keeping them tender. Ground turkey can also work if you’re looking for a lighter option.
1½ tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavor; feel free to adjust to your taste.
¼ tsp black pepper: A dash of heat; freshly cracked black pepper makes a difference.
1 egg: Binds everything together for perfect meatballs.
1 tbsp dried minced onion: Adds depth to the flavor; fresh onion can also be used.
½ cup breadcrumbs: These can soak up juices and give texture. Panko crumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs are excellent substitutes.
1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing, adding a nice layer of richness; vegetable oil is a solid alternative.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce. For gluten-free, try 1½ tbsp cornstarch.
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juices: Provides the base of your sauce, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
1 cup water: Balances the sauce consistency; feel free to use vegetable or beef broth for added flavor.
½ tsp salt: To season the sauce properly and ensure the flavors pop.
2 tsp granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; honey or maple syrup could work too.
1 tsp dried basil leaves: This gives an Italian flair; you might also opt for Italian seasoning.
1½ lbs baby potatoes: Halved, they cook perfectly alongside meatballs, bringing heartiness to the dish.
1 cup carrots: Chopped into 3-inch pieces, they add sweetness and vibrant color.
1 medium yellow onion: Cut into large chunks to soften and sweeten as they roast.
2 celery stalks: Adds a refreshing crunch and aroma.

How to Make Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner)

Preheat and Prepare: Start your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grab a large mixing bowl, and gently mix the ground beef with salt, black pepper, egg, dried minced onion, and breadcrumbs. Knead until just combined, avoiding overmixing for tender meatballs. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs—about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. This should make roughly 18 to 20 meatballs, perfect for hearty servings.

Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the meatballs to the pan in batches. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until a lovely golden crust forms, giving them richer flavor. You may need to work in two or three batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Set the browned meatballs aside while we get the sauce ready!

Whisk the Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch), diced tomatoes with their juices, water, salt, granulated sugar, and dried basil. Ensure there are no lumps—this will create a smooth, flavorful sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Layer Vegetables: In a 9×13 baking dish, arrange the halved baby potatoes, chopped carrots, onion chunks, and celery. This colorful base not only adds nutrition but also helps flavor the bean and meat combination as it roasts.

Add Meatballs and Sauce: Nestle the browned meatballs right on top of the arranged vegetables. Once they’re all cozily in place, pour the prepared sauce evenly over the entire dish. This layers the flavors perfectly, allowing the potatoes and meatballs to soak up all that deliciousness.

Bake Until Done: Cover the dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil, allowing the casserole to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce bubbles around the edges. The top may become slightly golden and inviting.

Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and cool slightly. Serve in bowls, perhaps with a fresh crusty loaf of bread or a simple side salad. This dish is all about warmth and family, so don’t forget to fill your table with love!

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner) at room temperature for about 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for a rainy day, freeze it in a well-sealed container or heavy-duty aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dig in again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. Just keep in mind that the veggies may become a bit softer upon reheating, but the delicious flavors will definitely remain!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

For perfect meatballs, ensure your ground beef is cold before mixing; it helps with texture.
Avoid overcrowding in the skillet when browning meatballs to get that nice crust.
If you want a little texture twist, roast some of the veggies a bit before mixing.
Flavor can be elevated by adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
Feel free to prep the casserole a day ahead—just pop it in the fridge overnight, then bake the next day.

Every family has its own version of comfort food, and this Classic Meatball Casserole (1950s-Style Family Dinner) stands out as a cherished classic that deserves a spot on your dinner table. It’s not just a meal; it’s an invitation to share moments and memories. Feel free to play around with the ingredients or add your favorite seasonal vegetables. With this dish, you’ll always find joy in every bite as you make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatloaf mix for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that fat content can affect the moisture and texture of the meatballs, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I serve with my casserole?

This casserole is a wholesome meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread! If you’re looking for a lighter accompaniment, steamed green beans or a sautéed vegetable medley would work beautifully too.

Can I make this meatball casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Assemble all the components, cover the dish, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be starting cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until hot. Just keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may soften over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!