If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying dinner that’s cheesy, saucy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Meatball Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine juicy, tender meatballs nestled in rich marinara, blanketed with gooey mozzarella and a golden sprinkle of Parmesan—each bite is pure Italian-American bliss. Whether you serve it over spaghetti, pile it into a sub roll, or just dig in with a fork, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser and has a way of making any night feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of accessible ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the big, bold flavors that come together in this Meatball Parmesan Recipe. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s adding richness, a savory punch, or that irresistible melty cheese pull.
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork): The foundation of any great meatball—using both beef and pork gives extra flavor and tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them super moist, never dry.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty depth right inside the meatballs and as a finishing touch.
- Large egg: The magic binder that holds everything together.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the meat with aromatic, classic Italian flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives every bite a Mediterranean vibe.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Marinara sauce: Sweet, tangy, and herby—this is the sauce that ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melt factor for that gorgeous cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): A final layer of salty, crispy goodness.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
- Olive oil (for greasing): Keeps everything from sticking and adds a hint of richness.
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your baking dish or oven-safe skillet a light coating of olive oil—this ensures the meatballs don’t stick and adds a lovely hint of flavor. Taking a moment for this step means easy clean-up later and perfectly golden meatballs every time.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a fork until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so go easy. You want the mixture just blended for tender, juicy results.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each, and nestle them into your prepared baking dish. Give them a little room so they brown nicely. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on top.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven and spoon the marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, making sure each one gets coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan over the top—this is where the magic happens, as everything gets bubbly and melty in the next step.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes. The cheese should be beautifully melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell incredible, signaling that your Meatball Parmesan Recipe is nearly ready for the table.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the meatballs cool for just a few minutes, then shower them with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, and get ready for the ultimate cheesy, saucy bite!
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley adds brightness and a touch of elegance, while an extra dusting of grated Parmesan amps up the savory factor. Don’t be shy—these little touches make your Meatball Parmesan Recipe feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish is right at home on a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, but it’s also fantastic tucked into crusty hoagie rolls for a classic meatball sub. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out all that cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meatballs as party appetizers with toothpicks, or layer them over creamy polenta for a cozy twist. They also make an amazing filling for sliders—just tuck a meatball (with plenty of sauce and cheese!) into a soft bun and watch them disappear at your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Meatball Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making leftovers just as dreamy as the first night.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meatballs (with or without sauce and cheese) for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired—dinner is practically ready for you!
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. A microwave works in a pinch, too—just be sure to cover to prevent splatters and keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work really well in this Meatball Parmesan Recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats may need a splash of milk or a bit more olive oil mixed in to stay extra moist.
What’s the best way to keep meatballs tender and not dry?
The secret is not overmixing the meatball mixture and using both breadcrumbs and egg as binders. Baking instead of frying also helps keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful every time.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep and shape the meatballs a day ahead, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them fresh when you’re ready. They also freeze beautifully before or after baking for ultimate convenience.
Is it necessary to sear the meatballs before baking?
It’s optional! Searing adds a bit of crust and extra flavor, but the Meatball Parmesan Recipe turns out deliciously tender and flavorful just from baking, so no worries if you skip this step to save time.
What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. A good quality, flavorful sauce makes all the difference—it’s truly the heart of the Meatball Parmesan Recipe!
Final Thoughts
There’s something about the irresistible combination of tender meatballs, tangy sauce, and melty cheese that just never fails to make people smile. I hope you’ll give this Meatball Parmesan Recipe a try soon—it’s easy, comforting, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Meatball Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Meatball Parmesan recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs baked to perfection and smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American main course, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 15–18 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven, spoon marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the meatballs to cool slightly, then garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve these meatballs over pasta, inside hoagie rolls for a sandwich, or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before baking for convenient meal prep.
- For enhanced flavor and texture, try searing the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
