Description
Classic Italian-American Meatball Parmesan featuring tender meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting main course is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce & Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into uniform 1 1/2-inch meatballs for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps develop flavor and texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve Hot: Remove from oven and serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce to give it a mild spicy kick.
- You can use all ground beef if preferred or substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Ensure meatballs are evenly sized to promote even cooking.
