Creamy Meatball Casserole

Indulge in pure comfort with this Creamy Meatball Casserole—an irresistible blend of savory meatballs, al dente pasta, and a luscious homemade cream sauce. Crafted with a combination of flavorful ground beef and pork, these perfectly browned meatballs are layered into a casserole dish with tender pasta, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. Optional fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while a golden-bubbly finish in the oven ensures every bite is brimming with creamy decadence. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty dish serves as the ultimate family dinner or potluck favorite. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for those seeking comforting pasta bakes, creamy casseroles, or meatball recipes that satisfy every craving!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 tbsp Butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Baby spinach (optional)
• 12 oz Pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Mix well until fully combined, and form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.

Step 6

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream.

Step 7

Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 9

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, optional spinach, and prepared creamy sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 10

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2476.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5365.5

Total Fat 390.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 188.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.7g
Cholesterol 1439.5mg	0%
Sodium 6557.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 183.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.4g	0%
Total Sugars 13.4g
Protein 254.1g	0%

Vitamin D 60.5IU	0%
Calcium 2629.9mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 2643.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.8%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 13.9%