If you’re craving a comfort food classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Meatball Parmesan Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a rich marinara sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses – it’s everything you want in an Italian-American dinner. This dish combines simplicity and bold flavors to create a heartwarming meal that’s guaranteed to impress family and friends alike. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, the Meatball Parmesan Recipe brings cozy, cheesy goodness that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the combination of meats adding depth and juiciness to the fresh herbs that bring brightness to every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, rich base for the meatballs with great flavor and texture.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds moisture and tenderness to keep meatballs juicy.
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Ensures the meatballs hold together while adding a subtle herby crunch.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a salty, nutty essence that elevates the meat mixture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, vibrant pop of green and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers aromatic warmth and savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Italian herbal notes that tie everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Amplifies all the flavors within the meatballs.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and enhances savory complexity.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs firm and tender.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and soft from inside.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Coats the meatballs with a rich, tangy tomato base that’s full of flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into a gooey, stretchy topping everyone adores.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Used for an extra sharp, savory crust on top.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the meatballs to develop a flavorful crust before baking.
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix these ingredients gently until just incorporated. It’s important not to overwork the mixture to keep your meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Next, roll the meat mixture into roughly 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the meatballs a lovely texture.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the seared meatballs, making sure they’re well coated. Spoon some sauce on top of each meatball to keep them moist. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the whole skillet, followed by the additional grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses will melt into a luscious, bubbly topping as the dish bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly layer, and the meatballs will finish cooking through to tender, juicy perfection. Keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn’t brown too quickly.
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley over the meatballs just before serving. The fresh herb adds a beautiful splash of color and a burst of brightness that beautifully complements the rich cheese and savory meat.
Side Dishes
Serve your Meatball Parmesan Recipe with classic spaghetti or creamy polenta to soak up that incredible sauce. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side also pairs wonderfully, balancing out the hearty, cheesy flavors with some crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to shake things up? Try placing the meatballs on toasted hoagie rolls for a delicious meatball sub experience. Or, turn the dish into a layered casserole with pasta or eggplant slices for a twist on traditional presentation. Either way, this recipe is incredibly versatile and sure to delight at any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Meatball Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the dish taste even better the next time you warm it up.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs with sauce and cheese in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the meatballs tender. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts to avoid drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use all ground beef instead of the combination of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still yield delicious meatballs, though the pork adds extra moisture and richness. If you prefer beef only, just be sure to handle the mixture gently to keep the meatballs from becoming dry.
What kind of cheese works best for Meatball Parmesan Recipe?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for its melting properties and creamy texture, while Parmesan adds sharpness and a complex savory note. Using both gives you the perfect balance of flavor and gooeyness.
Is it better to bake the meatballs or cook them entirely on the stove?
Searing the meatballs first locks in flavor and texture, but finishing them in the oven with sauce and cheese allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly. Baking ensures they cook evenly without drying out.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the Italian-style breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef and pork. The 20-minute bake time after searing ensures they are cooked through, tender, and juicy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Meatball Parmesan Recipe — it’s comfort food that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make. From the first bite of those tender meatballs smothered in rich marinara and molten cheese, you’ll see why this dish holds a top spot in my recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings around your dinner table!
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Meatball Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Meatball Parmesan Recipe features tender, juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, combined with Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Seared to perfection and baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this classic Italian-American dish is perfect for a comforting main course. Serve it over spaghetti, as a hearty meatball sub, or alongside garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs with sauce and cheese.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, egg, and milk. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch sized meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning to brown all sides evenly, for about 6–8 minutes. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet, spooning some sauce over to coat them thoroughly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and the additional grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti, on hoagie rolls for subs, or alongside garlic bread.
Notes
- For a different texture, you can substitute all ground beef instead of mixing beef and pork.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, hoagie rolls for meatball subs, or a side of garlic bread.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring meatballs to another dish before baking.
