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5-Ingredient Cheesy Meatball Casserole

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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole using Italian meatballs, marinara, spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 packages (16-ounce) fresh Italian-style meatballs store-bought or homemade
  • 3 cups marinara sauce use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade
  • 2 cups baby spinach packed, fresh
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese whole-milk ricotta gives a creamier finish
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese part-skim or whole-milk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Spread the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or a large round pan. Stir the packed baby spinach into the sauce to wilt.
  4. Transfer the cooked meatballs into the sauced spinach, pressing each down slightly.
  5. Spoon teaspoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the tops of the meatballs, distributing them evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella across the entire dish so the meatballs and sauce are well covered.
Baking
  1. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted. Optionally, place under the broiler for 3–4 minutes for a browned top, watching carefully.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

For additional flavors, consider swapping the spinach for chopped kale or adding Italian seasoning to the marinara. This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
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