Cauliflower And Meatball Casserole

Try something different this week for your dinner lineup and serve up this simple meat and veggie casserole. This recipe takes homemade meatballs and pairs it with tender cauliflower in a yummy sauce with plenty of cheese on top!

*You can make your meatloaf and refrigerate for use in this and other recipes

Cauliflower And Meatball Casserole

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground sausage
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Cauliflower:

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 3 1/2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• fresh dill, garnish, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425º F.
2. In a large bowl, toss together cauliflower florets with olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper until thoroughly coated.
3. Transfer cauliflower to a large baking sheet and spread out in an even layer, then set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, combine meatball ingredients and season generously with salt and pepper, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes.
5. Use your hands or two forks to mix everything together, then roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls.
6. Repeat with remaining meat and transfer finished meatballs to 1-2 baking dishes.
7. Place meatballs and cauliflower in oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until vegetables and meatballs are tender.
8. Remove everything from oven and lower temperature to 400º F.
9. Transfer meatballs to a large baking dish (or just drain fat from the dish you baked them in) and cover with roasted cauliflower.
10. Top with tomato sauce and remaining oregano and basil, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
11. Place baking dish in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh dill, if using, and serve hot.

Recipe from: 12tomatoes