Description
Classic Meatball Casserole is a delightful mix of tender meatballs, baby potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering comforting flavors that satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs lean ground beef
- 1½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – or panko crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp olive – or vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour – or 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch for a gluten-free option
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil leaves – or italian seasoning
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes – halved
- 1 cup carrots – chopped into 3-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion – chopped into large chunks
- 2 celery stalks – chopped
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, egg, dried minced onion, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl, mixing gently to form 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add meatballs, and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving some drippings. Make a light roux by cooking flour in the skillet for 1 minute.
- Whisk in the diced tomatoes, water, salt, sugar, and dried basil until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in the halved baby potatoes, chopped carrots, onion, celery, and browned meatballs, ensuring everything is well coated in sauce.
- Transfer to a casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour until vegetables are tender and meatballs are cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg