Cheesy Meatballs Casserole

 Cheesy Meatballs Casserole 

A cosy dinner with the best homemade meatballs, homemade or store-bought marinara, and cheese.  These meatballs can be made with any kind of meat  – for the ultimate flavour and texture.  Not only that, it`s a one-pot dish. It`s a friendly recipe for mummy.

Cheesy Meatballs Casserole 

PREP TIME:10minutes 
COOK TIME:25minutes 
SERVES: 6person 

Ingredients:

• 900g ground chicken minced
• 1 egg
• 1 cup onion(minced)
• 2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red chilli pepper flakes(optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup Marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese  (Mozzarella, Provolone, Monterrey Jack, Cheddar…)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat oven at 400℉. Spray cooking oil on a casserole side & set aside.
• In a large enough mixing bowl put minced chicken, onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, black pepper, cayenne powder, chilli flakes, salt. Combine together.
• Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape meatballs. Arrange the meatballs in the prepared casserole dish.

• Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes.
• Top with marinara sauce, cheese, basil leaves & bake for 10 minutes or until a bubbly cheesy texture forms on the top.
• Your cheesy meatballs casserole ready to serve.

Notes:

• For meatballs chicken, beef, mutton minced can be used.
• You can add different spices, for more flavours.
• Spray cooking oil in scooper to prevent stickiness. If using hand to shape meatballs spray oil in palms, and make round meatballs.
• This recipe is also applicable on the stove. Prepare meatballs, fry them lightly in oil. Then add sauce, cheese and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Storage Tips:

• Leftover cheesy meatballs casserole stored in a container for 2 days in the fridge. Preheat for 1 minute in the microwave before serving.
• It's a freezer-friendly recipe. Prepare meatballs, shape them, freeze them. Bake them according to recipe instructions & taste as well as fresh made.