If you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting weeknight dinner, these Ultimate Baked Cheesy Meatballs are a must-try. Made from a seasoned beef and pork blend, these tender, savory meatballs are baked in a rich marinara sauce and smothered under a bubbling blanket of melted Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. They are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for dipping with garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or Italian sausage)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatballs will be tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (makes about 16-18 meatballs).
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in a large baking dish. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, until they are browned on the outside.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven. Pour the marinara sauce all over the meatballs. Sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Melt and Bubble: Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted, golden-brown, and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and serve hot with warm garlic bread or over pasta.
Tips and Notes
- Blend Your Meats: Using a combination of ground beef and ground pork (or Italian sausage) yields the absolute best flavor and keeps the meatballs incredibly moist.
- Do Not Overmix: Overworking the meat mixture compresses the ingredients, making the meatballs dense. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
