Description
Classic Meatball Casserole bursts with flavor from lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting and easy family 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 oil 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
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, egg, dried minced onion, and soft breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to brown on all sides and then remove them from the skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving some drippings. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a light roux. Gradually whisk in diced tomatoes, water, salt, sugar, and dried basil, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Add halved potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped onion, celery, and browned meatballs to the sauce, stirring gently to coat.
- Transfer the mixture into a large casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour until vegetables are tender and meatballs are cooked through.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with bread or a side salad.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs and cornstarch.
Customize the vegetables based on what you have at home for added nutrition.
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
