Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like never before! This Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole is an absolute GAME-CHANGER that’s about to rock your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Prepare to dive headfirst into a cheesy, meaty, and utterly addictive dish that will have your friends and family begging for seconds (and thirds!)
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole
This epic dish is the perfect fusion of savory, smoky, and downright irresistible flavors. The tender meatballs wrapped in a crispy, bacon blanket are the ultimate in comfort food indulgence. But that’s not all – we’ve taken it to the next level by smothering the whole thing in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have you swooning with every bite. This casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a game-day feast. Prepare to be the talk of the town with this sensational, flavor-packed masterpiece!
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on the essentials for this insanely delicious Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole. We’re talking ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a handful of seasonings to give it that signature zing. Oh, and let’s not forget the star of the show – the thick-cut, smoky bacon that’s going to wrap around each and every meatball. Trust me, this ingredient list is about to take your tastebuds on the ride of their lives!
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 1/2 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves – Minced garlic
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or Italian sausage (for a different flavor profile)
- Parmesan Cheese: Cheddar or Gruyère (for a creamier, more melty sauce)
How to Make Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole
Alright, let’s get this flavor party started! We’re about to turn your kitchen into a savory paradise, one irresistible bite at a time.
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, let’s preheat that oven and get the meatball mixture ready. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well-incorporated. Now, it’s time to get those meatballs formed – use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, because we’re about to wrap them in the most amazing bacon blanket!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Alright, let’s take this dish to the next level. Grab your strips of thick-cut bacon and carefully wrap each meatball in a single layer of the smoky goodness. Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs in a baking dish and pop them in the oven. While they’re baking to golden, crispy perfection, let’s whip up that creamy, cheesy sauce. In a saucepan, melt some butter, then whisk in flour, milk, and shredded cheese until it’s thick and velvety.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
When the meatballs are golden and the bacon is crispy, it’s time for the grand finale! Pour the cheesy sauce over the top, making sure to coat every single meatball. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed, then pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
The moment of truth has arrived! Grab a fork and dive into this epic Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole. Prepare to be blown away by the explosion of flavors – the juicy meatballs, the crispy bacon, and the rich, creamy sauce. Trust me, this dish is about to become your new go-to for any occasion.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a kick of heat.
- Cheese It Up: Experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar, Gouda, or even a blend, to create your own signature flavor profile.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with a layer of crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for an irresistible crunch.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or a handful of spinach for a nutritional boost.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete, nutritious meal.
Storage: This dish stores like a dream in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Just pop it in the oven or microwave whenever the craving strikes!
Reheat: Gently reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Indulge without the guilt, my friends! This Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole packs a protein-packed punch, thanks to the lean ground beef and Parmesan cheese. And while the bacon and creamy sauce may seem indulgent, a little goes a long way in satisfying your cravings.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for the beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to account for the milder flavor of the turkey.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option! Simply assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely freeze any leftover Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
For an extra-rich and indulgent sauce, try using a blend of different cheeses, like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère. You can also swap out some of the milk for heavy cream or half-and-half for an even creamier texture.
Can I add any extra veggies to this dish?
Absolutely! This casserole is the perfect canvas for adding in your favorite veggies. Try tossing in some sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach for a nutritional boost. Get creative and make it your own!
Try These Next
- Savory Cheesy Bacon Casserole
- Sweet And Savory Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatballs With Tangy Sauce
Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Bacon-wrapped Meatball Casserole is a hearty dish that combines juicy meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon, baked in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
12 slices of bacon
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs and sauce.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: meatballs, bacon, casserole