Meatball and Sausage Casserole
Pierre Franey’s Meatball and Sausage Casserole is a timeless dish designed to satisfy even the hungriest of crowds. Packed with tender meatballs, savory sausage, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a flavorful medley perfect for cozy family dinners.
Combining the best elements of a casserole and a stew, this dish shines with its herb-infused tomato sauce, making it ideal for serving over pasta, creamy polenta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop. It’s both versatile and irresistibly comforting.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this kid-friendly favorite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With every bite, it delivers layers of nostalgia, warmth, and the robust flavors that make home-cooked meals so special.
Meatball and Sausage Casserole Ingredients
Ground meat – A blend of turkey, chicken, beef, pork, or veal forms the flavorful base of the meatballs, offering a satisfying combination of tender texture and rich taste.
Italian sausage – Whether sweet or hot, these sausages bring a savory depth, infusing the dish with bold, herby flavors that elevate every bite.
Fresh vegetables – Onions, mushrooms, and green peppers add a delightful mix of sweetness, earthiness, and crunch, creating a perfect balance against the savory meat and sauce.
Crushed tomatoes – The heart of the casserole’s sauce, bringing a vibrant, tangy foundation, while simmering to create a rich, herb-infused tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
Herbs and spices – Fresh basil, rosemary, cumin, and nutmeg bring complexity to the dish, with each herb and spice adding its distinct layer of fragrance and flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Perfecting the Meatballs: When shaping your meatballs, ensure the mixture is evenly combined but not overworked to maintain tenderness. Using wet hands or an oiled spoon prevents sticking, resulting in uniformly shaped meatballs that cook evenly.
- Building Flavors in the Sauce: Take the time to brown the sausages and deglaze the pan with white wine. This step enhances the depth of flavor, as the wine lifts all the caramelized bits, infusing the sauce with a rich, savory taste.
- Balancing Vegetables and Herbs: Use fresh rosemary and basil if possible for their vibrant flavors. Add the basil just before serving to preserve its fresh, aromatic quality, complementing the heartiness of the casserole.
What to Serve with Meatball and Sausage Casserole
- Creamy Polenta: The velvety texture of polenta pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the casserole, absorbing the tomato sauce and creating a comforting, cohesive meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the herb-infused tomato sauce. Its crunch contrasts delightfully with the tender meatballs and sausages.
- Pasta of Choice: Serve the casserole over al dente spaghetti or rigatoni for a classic pairing. The pasta captures the sauce, offering a satisfying bite with every forkful.
FAQ
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Assemble and cook the casserole a day in advance, then reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven to enhance the flavors. - Can I use plant-based meat alternatives?
Absolutely! Swap the ground meat and sausages with plant-based options. Ensure they’re pre-cooked or browned to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor. - Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge. - What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize with vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots for additional texture and nutrition. Add firmer veggies earlier in the cooking process and softer ones towards the end.
Meatball and Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- Ground turkey chicken, beef, pork, veal, or a blend
- Fresh breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Chicken broth fresh or canned
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Ground cumin
- Chopped garlic divided
- Chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Sweet or hot Italian sausages
- Chopped onions
- Sliced mushrooms
- Green bell pepper cored, seeded, and cut into pieces
- Crushed canned tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary or dried
- Dry white wine
- Bay leaf
- Fresh basil or Italian parsley chopped
Instructions
- Step 1In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chicken broth, nutmeg, cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape into 24 small meatballs.
- Step 2Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet with a nonstick or enamel surface. Add the meatballs and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides, approximately 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside. Using a fork, prick the sausages and place them in the pan. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3Add the onions, mushrooms, green pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of garlic to the skillet with the sausages. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Return the meatballs, along with any accumulated juices, to the skillet. The pan will be crowded, but this enhances the dish’s flavor.
- Step 4Pour in the crushed tomatoes, rosemary, white wine, and bay leaf. Stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cover the pan tightly and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
