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Cheesy Italian Baked Meatballs: 15-Min Prep

Cheesy Italian Baked Meatballs
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Enjoy these Cheesy Italian Baked Meatballs, a comforting classic perfect for family dinners. This simple recipe features savory meatballs baked to perfection with a gooey cheese topping, served with marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (for serving)
  • Optional: Cooked pasta or sub rolls for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Using your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish, spacing them out evenly.
  4. Once all meatballs are formed, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball.
  5. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  6. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
  7. Serve the baked meatballs with the marinara sauce for dipping. You can pair them with cooked pasta or place them in sub rolls for a delicious meatball sandwich. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
  8. Pack for Lunch: Allow the meatballs to cool, then pack them in a lunchbox with a portion of sauce in a small container. Add some veggie sticks or fruit on the side for a well-rounded meal!

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
  • Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to ensure tenderness.
  • Check meatballs with a meat thermometer for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven or a saucepan with marinara sauce to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sarecipe.com/cheesy-italian-baked-meatballs/