Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F.
In a large mixing bowl, blend the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed.
Shape the mixture into 16 to 20 meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove them from the pan, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Spread a base layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Arrange the browned meatballs atop the sauce layer.
Cover the meatballs with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Generously layer shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and turns a light golden color.
Optionally, garnish with fresh basil to serve, adding a splash of color and a hint of freshness.
Indulge in the Meatball Parmesan Casserole fresh from the oven to fully enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth cheese experience. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of cultural fusion, bringing together the best of Italian and American culinary traditions to create a memorable dining experience.