Baked Cheesy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce: A Delicious Family Favorite

Looking for a simple, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy? These Baked Cheesy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are a perfect choice! With savory, juicy meatballs covered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own, these cheesy meatballs are easy to make and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into this easy and tasty recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. While the meatballs are browning, pour the marinara sauce into a large baking dish. Season with garlic powder and dried oregano for extra flavor.
2. Once the meatballs are browned, carefully transfer them to the baking dish with marinara sauce. Make sure the meatballs are covered by the sauce.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. After placing the meatballs in the sauce, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
3. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
3. Serve the cheesy meatballs with pasta, on sub rolls for meatball sandwiches, or enjoy them with a side of garlic bread.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Meatballs:

• To make the meatballs extra tender, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the meatball mixture.
• If you prefer a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, but be careful not to overcook them, as lean meats can dry out.
• For added depth of flavor, you can mix in chopped onions or bell peppers into the meatball mixture.
• Make sure to bake the meatballs long enough so they’re cooked through, and the cheese has a chance to melt and get golden on top.

Conclusion:

These Baked Cheesy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are the ultimate comfort food. With juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether served with pasta, as a meatball sub, or with some crusty bread, these cheesy meatballs are a family favorite. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy the hearty goodness of homemade meatballs!