Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial for ensuring your meatballs cook evenly. The right temperature will help them develop a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, and all the dry seasonings. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until fully combined. You want to ensure that everything is evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
Use a large cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into meatballs. Aim for a size that’s just right for popping into your mouth—about 1.5 inches in diameter works great. This method ensures that they cook evenly and are easy to serve.
Arrange the formed meatballs on a baking dish or cookie sheet, giving them a little space so they don’t stick together. You should end up with about 15 to 16 large meatballs. This step is critical for getting that nice golden crust.
Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be browned but not overcooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and drain any excess grease. Arrange the cooked meatballs in a baking dish, creating a cozy nest for the sauce.
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated. This sauce will infuse the meatballs with flavor and keep them moist.
Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the meatballs. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly spread; it will melt beautifully during baking.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. This is where the magic happens—melted cheese creates that irresistible layer that everyone loves.
Bake the casserole in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese has that beautiful golden color and a little bit of bubbling around the edges.
Once out of the oven, remove the casserole and let it cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh basil. This step adds a fresh burst of flavor and color to your dish.
Serve and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole with your favorite sides!
