Ingredients:
- °3 cloves Ontario Garlic, pressed
- °1 Ontario Egg
- °1/4 cup (50 mL) Ontario Milk
- °1/4 cup (50 mL) breadcrumbs
- °1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) dried basil leaves
- °1/2 tsp each: salt and pepper
- °1 lb (500 g) Extra Lean or Lean Ontario Ground Beef
- °1 bottle (680 mL) tomato purée (passata style)
- °1 Ontario carrot, grated
- °1 small Ontario Onion, finely chopped
- °1 cup (250 mL) shredded Ontario Mozzarella
- °1/4 cup (50 mL) Fresh Ontario Basil Leaves, torn
Preparation:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Ontario Meatball Casserole, a perfect blend of juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe highlights fresh Ontario ingredients for a flavorful, satisfying dish. Follow these simple steps to create a casserole that’s sure to become a household staple!
In a large bowl, combine 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 Ontario egg, 1/4 cup Ontario milk, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix well, then add 1 lb of Ontario ground beef and blend until homogeneous. Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs and arrange them in a single layer in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes.
While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, combine 1 bottle of tomato purée, 1 grated Ontario carrot, 1 finely chopped Ontario onion, 1 pressed garlic clove, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Pour the sauce over the partially baked meatballs and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Ontario mozzarella. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh torn Ontario basil leaves before serving.
Serve this Ontario Meatball Casserole hot, paired with crusty bread or a side of pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty texture that make this dish a true comfort food classic!
