Name: Classic Meatball Casserole
Prep time: PT-493507H49M50S
Cook time: PT-493507H49M50S
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 – 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

Description

This Classic Meatball Casserole features juicy meatballs combined with tender potatoes and carrots, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners!

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 – 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

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, pepper, egg, dried minced onion, and breadcrumbs until just combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, then set them aside on a plate.
Remove excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons of drippings. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a light roux. Gradually whisk in the diced tomatoes, water, and seasonings until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the halved potatoes, chopped carrots, onion, celery, and browned meatballs to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and coat everything with the tomato sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, cover it tightly with foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg