Name: Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping); 2 tablespoons olive oil

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If you’re searching for a true Italian-American comfort classic, look no further than this Meatball Parmesan Recipe. Tender, juicy beef meatballs are simmered in rich marinara, smothered with bubbly, golden cheese, and baked to absolute perfection. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just looking for a delicious dinner on a cozy evening, this dish delivers savory satisfaction in every bite. With a little prep and plenty of cheese, this recipe will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients for our Meatball Parmesan Recipe! Each one is simple and easy to find, but together they create a flavor-packed, irresistible dish. Every element here plays a part—bringing moisture, richness, color, and those signature Italian-inspired notes you crave in a cheesy, saucy casserole.

Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds): Go for 80/20 for extra juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold together perfectly.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Bind the meatballs and keep them deliciously tender; panko or traditional both work well.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds salty, savory depth right in the meatballs, creating that classic Parmesan taste.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with mouthwatering aroma and a hint of spice.
Fresh Parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Brings a pop of color and freshness, balancing the rich and cheesy flavors.
Large Egg (1): Essential for binding the mixture so meatballs stay together during cooking.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ensures savory, well-seasoned meatballs.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for that sweet-tangy tomato base.
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Melts into a gooey, irresistible topping that defines the dish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese for topping (1/4 cup): Extra Parmesan forms a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Gives a gorgeous sear to the meatballs and a subtle fruity finish to the dish.

How to Make Meatball Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. This step is all about gently blending everything just until combined. Overmixing can make meatballs tough, so use your hands or a fork to bring the mixture together until you can easily form balls that hold their shape.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop up small handfuls and gently roll the mixture between your palms to form golf ball-sized meatballs. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. This is a fun step to get kids or helpers involved—everyone loves forming meatballs!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs (in batches if needed) and brown them on all sides. Give them a chance to develop a savory, caramelized crust; this only takes about 5–6 minutes and adds major flavor to your Meatball Parmesan Recipe.

Step 4: Add the Marinara and Bake

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the browned meatballs, making sure each one gets nestled in plenty of tomato sauce. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and ensures the meatballs are cooked through, juicy, and tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake Again

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese over the saucy meatballs. Pop the skillet back in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty, bubbly, and golden brown. This is where the real magic happens—the cheese blanket turns every bite irresistible!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove your glorious Meatball Parmesan Recipe from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps everything set and makes serving easier. Once slightly cooled, dish up the meatballs with plenty of sauce and cheese for a meal that’s pure comfort.

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

For the perfect finish, shower your Meatball Parmesan Recipe with a flurry of extra chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving. A final sprinkle of Parmesan or a crack of black pepper adds a little flourish and takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

These cheesy meatballs are dreamy atop a tangle of spaghetti, nestled in a crusty hoagie roll as a sandwich, or simply served alongside a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread. The classic Italian-American vibe matches beautifully with roasted vegetables or even creamy polenta for something a little different.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your Meatball Parmesan Recipe by serving it as an appetizer with toothpicks, using it as a pizza topping, or scooping the meatballs into mini slider rolls for a party spread. The bold flavors and melty cheese make it a favorite for movie nights or game day gatherings—no formalities required!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled Meatball Parmesan Recipe to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce actually soaks into the meatballs even more, making every reheated serving extra rich and tasty.

Freezing

Want to stock your freezer with a home-cooked classic? Arrange the fully cooked, cooled meatball parmesan in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights—just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you plan to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until everything is hot and the cheese melts beautifully again, about 20–25 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover, and use a lower power setting to keep the meat tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat for this Meatball Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of pork and beef. Each option brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but the delicious results are guaranteed. Just be mindful that leaner meats like turkey may be a bit less juicy; adding a splash of milk or olive oil to the meat mixture can help.

Is it possible to make this Meatball Parmesan Recipe gluten-free?

Yes—simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t sacrifice any of that classic taste or comforting texture.

What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries! You can brown the meatballs in any skillet, then transfer them and the sauce to a baking dish before adding the cheese and finishing them in the oven. Just make sure to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan for maximum flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the meatballs and sauce in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold. This makes entertaining so much easier!

How do I prevent the meatballs from getting tough?

The secret is not to overwork the meat mixture—combine just until everything is incorporated, then stop. Overmixing can compact the meat and make the finished meatballs dense. Also, be sure not to overbake; just cook until they’re firm and cooked through for perfect, tender results every time.

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed how quickly this Meatball Parmesan Recipe becomes a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s pure comfort food with a burst of flavor and plenty of gooey, cheesy satisfaction. Gather your favorite people, roll up your sleeves, and dive in—homemade Italian-American joy awaits!

Meatball Parmesan Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Meatball Parmesan recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Tender and flavorful meatballs are baked to perfection, then smothered in marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
Brown the meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil in a skillet.
Bake: Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, bake for 15 minutes, then top with cheeses and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.