Okay, picture this: I’m if it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something warm and comforting, but the thought of spending time with friends is unbearable. Why do I want to hide under the covers in the kitchen? Does this sound familiar?7-Layer Meatball CWhat is a casserole? Is this a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to throw together? What’s with lasagna, but with fluffy Mashed Potatoes, juicy meatballs, crispy bacon, and a side of ham? What are some of the cheesy goodness? Is this a hug in the dish? Is this the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite? Whenever I make it, the kids practically inhale it and there are never any leftovers!
What is a 7-layer meatball casserole?
Think of the 7-Layer Meatball CAs the ultimate comfort food mashup. What is a layered dish? We’re talking a base of creamy mashed potatoes, followed by flavorful meatballs swimming in marinara. a layer of sautéed vegetables, shredded cheese and melted butter. Serve with Sour Cream, bacon crumbles, onions and mushrooms. ), and sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, caramelized onions. It’s a complete meal in one pan, and the different textures and flavors come together. The name comes from the seven distinct layers that make up the dish – it’s simple as that! It’s not just about the layers though, but also about how well they combine to bring the perfect combination. I always use my grandma’s meatball recipe, but store-bought ones work just fine too, especially if you have a big kid. I’m short on time.
How do I make a 7-layer meatball casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this 7-Layer Meatball CIs it easier to prepare your ingredients? How do I make Mashed Potatoes, cook meatballs, and dicing vegetables? If you want to bake a cake, you’ll simply layer everything in .a baking dish, bake until bubbly and golden brown, and then remove from the oven. Can you prep most of the components ahead of time, making this a great option for busy weeknights. Is it worth the effort? The layering process is actually quite therapeutic, almost like building a tasty edible tower.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Layer: How do I make it?
* 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered. I like russets because they get the fluffiest, but Yukon golds will work too.
* 1 cup milk. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 1/2 cup butter, softened. Salted or unsalted, your choice!
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
For the Meatball Layer: For a Me
* 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork). Make sure it is good quality, it really makes a difference.
* 1 cup breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs give them a nice, light texture.
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a great savory flavor.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Fresh is best!
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. I’m a garlic lover, so I usually add more.
* 1 egg, lightly beaten. This helps bind everything together.
* Salt and pepper to taste. I always add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes for spiciness.
What is the sauce & veg layer?
* 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce. I love Rao’s, but use whatever you prefer.
* 1 onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
* 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color). Adds a nice sweetness and crunch.
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms. I prefer cremini mushrooms, but button mushrooms are fine too.
* 2 tbsp olive oil. For sautéing the veggies.
What is the Bacon Layer?
Can you ever have too much bacon?
What is the cheese layer?
* 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Melts beautifully!
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. For extra flavor and color.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you keep a casserole from sticking? I like to use cooking spray for convenience, but you can also grease it with butter or oil.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash until smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix, or they’ll become gluey!
Step 3: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Set aside. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. How do you make a meatball? Can you bake meatballs in the oven or cook them on the stovetop? I like baking them because it’s less messy. If baking, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes. How long will it take for a chicken to cook through? If cooking on the stovetop, heat a little olive oil in an oiled skillet over medium heat and cook the onion and garlic. How do you cook meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through?
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
What is the fun part about layering? Spread the Mashed Potatoes evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. How do you spread marinara sauce over potatoes? Arrange the cooked meatballs over the sauce, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the vegetables, then top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake
In the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the layers to set slightly and make it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
What to Serve It With
This 7-Layer Meatball Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some serving suggestions:
For a Simple Weeknight Dinner: Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
For a Potluck: This casserole is always a hit at potlucks! It’s easy to transport and feeds a crowd. Serve with a variety of side dishes, like coleslaw, Potato Salad, or fruit salad.
For a Cozy Sunday Supper: Make it a family affair! Serve with roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, and a warm apple crisp for dessert.
For a Special Occasion: Dress it up with a fancy salad, like a Caprese salad, and a glass of red wine. For dessert, try a chocolate lava cake or a tiramisu.
Growing up, we always had this with a side of garlic bread – it was perfect to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your 7-Layer Meatball Casserole
Want to take your 7-Layer Meatball Casserole to the next level? Here are some of my top tips:
Mashed Potato Perfection: For the creamiest Mashed Potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher. This will prevent them from becoming gluey. Also, warm the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes. This will help them incorporate more easily and create a smoother texture. And don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper!
Meatball Magic: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, or they’ll become tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, use a cookie scoop to ensure that the meatballs are all the same size. This will help them cook evenly. I like to brown the meatballs slightly before adding them to the casserole. This will give them a richer flavor and prevent them from drying out.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Other great options include carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them completely and drain off any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
Cheese Choices: You can use any type of cheese you like for this casserole. Other good options include provolone, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere. For a little extra flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the cheese layer.
Sauce Sensations: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce. However, for the best flavor, I recommend making your own. It’s surprisingly easy to do, and it makes a big difference. I have a simple recipe that uses canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Baking Brilliance: To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Also, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the layers to set slightly and make it easier to cut.
My personal favorite is to add a touch of garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. Trust me on this, it takes them to the next level!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s How to store and reheat your 7-Layer Meatball Casserole:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the casserole, you can use the oven or the microwave. In the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. In the microwave, heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. I like to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating to make it extra melty and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the ultimate 7-Layer Meatball Casserole recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. What more could you ask for? I truly believe this is one of those dishes that just makes everything better, especially on a cold day. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does! And if you’re a fan of comforting casseroles, be sure to check out my other recipes for lasagna, shepherd’s pie, and Chicken Pot Pie. Happy cooking, everyone! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out. I’d love to hear your variations and tips, too!
7-Layer Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 1 package Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Bread crumbs
- 1 jar Marinara sauce 24 ounces
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 can Mixed vegetables Drained
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning. Form into meatballs.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer half of the meatballs, followed by half of the mixed vegetables and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Top with parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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