Description
Cheesy Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
These cheesy baked meatballs are the perfect combination of savory, saucy, and cheesy! Perfect for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef or pork
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce and Topping:
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small, even-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned (they don’t need to cook through). Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and warm over medium heat. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce, covering them partially.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet or baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Pro Tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce!
Enjoy these Cheesy Baked Meatballs – a comforting, delicious dish that’s sure to be a favorite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients thoroughly, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form uniform 1-inch meatballs, rolling them gently between your palms. In your oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sear meatballs in batches to avoid crowding, ensuring a good crust forms on all sides. Transfer seared meatballs to a plate. Pour marinara into the warm skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Return all meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Evenly blanket with cheeses. Bake on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes until cheese is fully melted and sauce is bubbling. For finishing color, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. For a classic meal, serve them over a bed of spaghetti or creamy polenta. As an appetizer, present them in the skillet with a basket of toasted garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping. For a lighter option, pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. They also make a fantastic sub sandwich filling when piled into a toasted hoagie roll.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix meatball ingredients, form into balls, and sear until browned. Place in a skillet with warmed marinara sauce, top generously with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes. You can assemble the seared meatballs in the sauce, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cheese just before baking, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. A blend of beef and pork is excellent, or you can use ground turkey or chicken. For leaner meats, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to maintain moisture.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Simply sear the meatballs in any skillet, then transfer them and the sauce to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze baked meatballs? Yes. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a covered dish with a little extra sauce at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meat: This compacts the proteins, leading to tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Skipping the sear: Searing creates a flavorful crust and helps the meatballs hold their shape. Don’t move them until a crust forms.
- Using cold sauce: Adding meatballs to cold sauce extends baking time and can dry them out. Always warm the sauce first.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Crowding steams the meatballs instead of browning them. Sear in batches.
- Overbaking: Bake just until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of a meatball reaches 165°F. Overbaking dries them out.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are the epitome of comfort food, combining savory meat, rich sauce, and gooey cheese in one simple dish. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, this reliable recipe delivers maximum flavor with straightforward steps. By following the guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a consistently delicious centerpiece. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that is sure to earn rave reviews and become a regular in your cooking repertoire.