Description
This classic Meatball Parmesan recipe features juicy, flavorful meatballs baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American dinner, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving over pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs using your hands, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning seals in juices and adds flavor.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, coating them well. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by the additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and juices to redistribute for better texture.
Notes
- Serve these meatballs over spaghetti, inside a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- You can use store-bought marinara sauce to save time or make your own for extra freshness and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
