Chicken Meatball Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, layered with fresh basil, provolone cheese, and toasted baguette slices. This meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner without the hassle of pasta. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, making it irresistibly tempting for family and friends. It’s an easy chicken meatball casserole that combines flavors and textures, creating a delightful experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatball Casserole
This chicken meatball casserole is not just another meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate! Here’s why you’ll adore this dish:
- It’s a healthy chicken meatball casserole option, packed with nutrition.
- Perfect as a one-pot chicken meatball casserole for easy cleanup.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- It’s a family-friendly chicken meatball casserole that kids will love.
- You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables.
- This recipe uses wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
With its Italian cuisine influence, it combines comfort food with healthy choices, making it a must-try!
Ingredients for Chicken Meatball Casserole
Gather these items:
- 8 oz (250 g) ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1/4 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Small handful of fresh basil leaves, coarsely torn
- 5 slices baguette
- Additional cloves of garlic for the bread (optional)
- 4-5 slices provolone cheese
How to Make Chicken Meatball Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9 x 11 inch shallow casserole or baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, fresh basil, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust, about 4-5 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the 1/2 cup grated onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes and coarsely torn basil leaves. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Arrange the browned meatballs evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. Place the slices of baguette on top of the sauce, covering the surface. If you like, rub the bread slices with additional garlic cloves for extra flavor.
- Step 6: Layer the provolone cheese slices evenly over the bread. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful chicken meatball casserole warm.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Meatball Casserole
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste to enhance the dish.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a kick.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Meatball Casserole
This dish is versatile! Here are some great serving ideas:
- Pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- Top with additional fresh basil or cheese for a gourmet touch.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Meatball Casserole
After enjoying your chicken meatball casserole, allow it to cool completely before storing. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This makes for a quick and easy meal prep idea for busy nights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Meatball Casserole
What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Meatball Casserole?
The secret lies in browning the meatballs properly and allowing the sauce to simmer, melding all flavors beautifully. Using fresh ingredients also elevates the dish.
Can I make Chicken Meatball Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving for a fresh, hot meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Meatball Casserole?
Ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the meatballs, as this can cause them to steam instead of brown. Follow the cooking times closely for the best results.
Variations of Chicken Meatball Casserole You Can Try
Feel free to get creative! Here are some variations:
- Add spinach or kale for a health boost in your chicken meatball dish.
- Mix in different cheeses, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a cheesy chicken meatball casserole.
- Include roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
For more delicious recipes, check out Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip or Creamy Cajun Sausage and Potato Soup.
For more tips on meal prep, consider reading Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta.
Print
Chicken Meatball Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers of Flavor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Meatball Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, layered with fresh basil, provolone cheese, and toasted baguette slices. Perfect for a satisfying meal without the pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (250 g) ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1/4 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Small handful of fresh basil leaves, coarsely torn
- 5 slices baguette
- Additional cloves of garlic for the bread (optional)
- 4–5 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9 x 11 inch shallow casserole or baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, fresh basil, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust, about 4-5 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the 1/2 cup grated onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes and coarsely torn basil leaves. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the browned meatballs evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. Place the slices of baguette on top of the sauce, covering the surface. If you like, rub the bread slices with additional garlic cloves for extra flavor.
- Layer the provolone cheese slices evenly over the bread. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful chicken meatball casserole warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 266
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg