Meatballs with Cheese and Marinara Sauce Recipe
This classic Meatballs with Cheese and Marinara Sauce recipe features juicy ground beef meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, baked to golden perfection, and then smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Ideal as a comforting main dish, these oven-baked meatballs offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures perfect for any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (substitute with ground turkey or chicken for leaner option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro or dried parsley)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or garlic flakes)
- 1 tsp thyme (or oregano)
- 1 large egg
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone, Monterey Jack)
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Parmesan cheese, salt, chili flakes, parsley, black pepper, thyme, minced garlic, and egg. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly throughout the meat.
- Shape Meatballs: Use a #20 scoop or tablespoon to portion out even-sized meatballs. Using your hands, shape the scooped mixture into smooth, round balls for uniform cooking.
- Initial Baking: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on an oven-safe dish. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to begin cooking through.
- Flip Meatballs: Remove the dish from the oven and carefully flip each meatball to ensure even browning and cooking on all sides.
- Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are all well-coated.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauced meatballs for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Final Bake: Place the dish back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves. Serve hot for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner variation.
- Mix ground beef with pork to enhance juiciness if desired.
- Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper cheese flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure even-sized meatballs for uniform cooking by using a scoop.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: meatballs, cheese, marinara sauce, baked meatballs, Italian recipe, comfort food
