Description
This Classic Meatball Casserole features rich flavors and simple preparation, making it a perfect choice for a comforting family dinner. Packed with beef, potatoes, and carrots, it’s a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table!
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, black pepper, egg, dried minced onion, and breadcrumbs until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove them and set aside.
- Drain the excess fat, leaving 3 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the diced tomatoes, water, salt, sugar, and basil, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the halved potatoes, chopped carrots, yellow onion, celery, and browned meatballs. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
Feel free to swap the vegetables based on your preferences; bell peppers and green beans also work well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg