Name: Classic Meatball Casserole
Prep time: PT-493338H14M42S
Cook time: 1 h
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 – 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

Description

Classic Meatball Casserole features tender meatballs, baby potatoes, and vibrant carrots, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting meal is easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, salt, black pepper, egg, minced onion, and breadcrumbs until just combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving some drippings. Stir in flour and cook for one minute to create a light roux. Gradually whisk in the diced tomatoes with juice, water, salt, sugar, and basil. Stir until sauce thickens slightly.
Add the halved baby potatoes, chopped carrots, onion, and celery to the skillet, along with the browned meatballs. Stir gently to coat everything in the tomato sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for one hour, or until vegetables are tender and meatballs are fully cooked.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 100mg