Meatball Parmesan Recipe

There is something irresistibly comforting about a classic Meatball Parmesan Recipe that combines juicy, well-seasoned meatballs with melted cheese and rich marinara sauce. This dish is a warm hug on a plate, bringing together the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it a beloved favorite for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Whether served over pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own, the Meatball Parmesan Recipe never fails to satisfy cravings and impress dinner guests with its hearty and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple and essential ingredients come together in this Meatball Parmesan Recipe to create layers of flavor and texture that are truly mouthwatering. Each component plays its part, from the blend of meats that keep the meatballs tender, to the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses that add richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• 500g ground beef: Provides juicy, rich flavor for tender meatballs.
• 250g ground pork: Adds fat and moisture to keep the meatballs perfectly tender.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and soak up juices for a nice texture.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor right into the meatball mix.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds warmth and depth of flavor that’s essential in Italian dishes.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat if you want a little zing.
• 1 large egg: Binds the meatballs together for a perfect shape and texture.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: The luscious tomato sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy top layer.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Adds a deliciously crisp, golden finish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs to develop flavor and texture.

How to Make Meatball Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and the egg. Mix everything just until combined—overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so take it easy and gently fold the ingredients together.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

With your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs roughly the size of a golf ball. Keeping them uniform in size helps them cook evenly. This step is where the magic begins because these little orbs will soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches if necessary, and brown them on all sides. This step locks in flavor with a slightly crisp crust, creating a wonderful contrast to the tender inside. Once browned, remove the skillet from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Cheeses

Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered in the rich tomato goodness. Now sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top followed by the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. This will create that golden, bubbly cheese layer that makes Meatball Parmesan Recipe so irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble beautifully while the meatballs finish cooking through. When the timer goes off, let them cool slightly before serving—the aromas alone will have you eager to dive in.

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or additional parsley sprinkled on top add a lovely burst of color and freshness to balance the richness. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can take it up a notch with a subtle flavor kick and eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

This Meatball Parmesan Recipe pairs beautifully with a bed of al dente spaghetti or creamy garlic mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the hearty meatballs nicely, while garlic bread on the side always adds that perfect touch of crunch and indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs inside toasted hoagie rolls topped with extra sauce and cheese for a comforting sandwich. Alternatively, present individual meatballs on cocktail sticks as an impressive appetizer at your next party. Layered in a baking dish with pasta, this dish can also become a sensational casserole—versatility makes this Meatball Parmesan Recipe so special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Meatball Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated promptly after serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in an ovenproof dish covered with foil and warm at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until bubbling hot. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a microwave-safe lid, though the oven allows the cheese to crisp up just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use only ground beef instead of a mix?

Absolutely! Using just ground beef will still yield delicious meatballs, but the pork adds extra fat and moisture that keeps the meatballs juicy and tender. You can adjust based on what you have or prefer.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just make sure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients, and you’ll have a gluten-free Meatball Parmesan Recipe everyone can enjoy.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Definitely! You can shape the meatballs and store them raw in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them to cook later. This makes dinner prep a breeze when you’re short on time.

How can I reduce the fat content?

Try using lean ground beef or swapping out ground pork for ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that the meatballs may be less juicy, so you might want to add a little extra sauce or a touch of olive oil to maintain moisture.

Can I make this recipe without an ovenproof skillet?

Yes! Brown the meatballs in a regular skillet, transfer them to a baking dish, pour the sauce and cheese on top, then bake as directed. Just be careful transferring the hot meatballs to the dish to keep everything intact.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Parmesan Recipe has become a go-to comfort food that brings joy to any table. Its blend of savory meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey cheese is something I never tire of sharing with friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you experience these flavors, it’s sure to become one of your favorites too.

Meatball Parmesan Recipe

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3.9 from 62 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)

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Description

Meatball Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring juicy, flavorful meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty main course is perfect served over pasta, in sandwiches, or alongside garlic bread for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

• 500g ground beef
• 250g ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 large egg

Sauce and Topping

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and the egg. Mix gently until just combined to maintain tender meatballs without overworking the meat.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs to ensure even cooking and a perfect bite-sized portion.
4. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step seals in the juices and adds flavor.
5. Prepare for Baking: After browning, remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess grease. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are mostly covered to keep them moist during baking.
6. Add Cheese Toppings: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs followed by the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to create a bubbly, flavorful crust when baked.
7. Bake the Meatballs: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
8. Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy over pasta, in hoagie rolls as hearty sandwiches, or with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Serve over pasta, in hoagie rolls for sandwiches, or with a side of garlic bread.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American