If you’re craving a comforting Italian classic that’s bursting with bright flavors and melty cheese, then this Meatball Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy meatballs baked to perfection, smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan, make each bite a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with something homemade, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and herby goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Meatball Parmesan Recipe lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a dish with incredible depth and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy meat blend to the fragrant herbs and the luxurious cheese topping.
- Ground beef and ground pork: A blend provides the best balance of flavor and tenderness in every bite.
- Breadcrumbs: These add structure and help keep the meatballs moist.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a sharp, nutty flavor inside the meatballs and on top for extra bite.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- Minced garlic: Brings a punch of savory warmth to the mix.
- Chopped parsley: Offers fresh, bright herbal notes.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that rounds out the meatball seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for greasing and adds a subtle richness.
- Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, providing tangy tomato goodness that melts into the meatballs.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistibly gooey, cheesy layer on top.
- Additional grated Parmesan: Sprinkled over the cheese for an extra layer of savory depth.
- Fresh basil: Used as a bright, aromatic garnish just before serving.
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing your baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The key is to mix just until everything is incorporated; this is what keeps your meatballs tender rather than tough.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs—aim for uniformity so they cook evenly. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each enough room. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. This step sets the foundation for juicy, flavorful meatballs without the mess of stovetop frying.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake in Marinara
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in your prepared baking dish, nestle the baked meatballs inside, and cover them with the rest of the sauce. Then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and additional grated Parmesan. Slide the dish back into the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes — this helps all the juices settle and the flavors marry beautifully. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an herbal lift that brightens each bite.
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic finishing touch that adds a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. You might also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or some red pepper flakes if you like a subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Parmesan Recipe shines when paired with classic sides like spaghetti or your favorite pasta to soak up sauce. Alternatively, serve it on toasted sub rolls for a hearty meatball sandwich, or alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond traditional plating: serve these meatballs atop creamy polenta or even stuffed inside roasted bell peppers for a fresh twist. For a casual gathering, skewer individual meatballs with toothpicks and serve with small bowls of marinara for dipping—an irresistible party appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your meatball Parmesan cools completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so leftovers are often even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs with sauce and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, let everything cool before freezing, and consider portioning them out for easy thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the meatballs moist. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power, but be sure to cover to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this Meatball Parmesan Recipe with all beef or all pork?
Absolutely! While the combination of beef and pork adds a great mix of flavor and tenderness, using all beef or all pork will still give delicious results. Adjust seasoning if needed to balance the richer or leaner meat.
What type of breadcrumbs work best for these meatballs?
Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs both work well. If you use seasoned breadcrumbs, adjust the salt and Italian seasoning in the meat mixture accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes meal prep easier and allows flavors to meld.
Is it better to bake or fry the meatballs?
Baking is healthier, less messy, and lets you cook a larger batch evenly without turning constantly. It also prevents the meatballs from absorbing excess oil, keeping them moist and tender.
What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs. The fresh basil adds a unique brightness, but the dish will still taste amazing without it.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Parmesan Recipe truly brings together the best of Italian comfort food in a way that’s simple to make yet impressively delicious. From the perfectly baked meatballs to the gooey cheese topping and fresh basil finish, it’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies every craving. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your love for this classic with your family and friends!
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Meatball Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This classic Meatball Parmesan Recipe features tender, baked meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Baked to perfection and smothered in rich marinara sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this hearty Italian-American dish is perfect served over pasta, on toasted subs, or with a fresh green salad. Simple to prepare and deeply satisfying, it’s a family favorite full of robust flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for assembling the meatballs and sauce.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until they are browned and fully cooked through.
- Assemble Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the baked meatballs over the sauce and pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the sauced meatballs. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve hot over pasta, in toasted sub rolls, or alongside a green salad.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, on toasted sub rolls, or with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute all beef or all pork if preferred based on taste or availability.
- For extra tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep it light and juicy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
