Cheesy Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe
These delicious meatballs with cheese and marinara sauce offer a perfect blend of savory ground beef, rich Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and flavorful herbs. Baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheese and tangy marinara sauce, they make a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 meatballs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp thyme
Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, chili flakes, chopped fresh parsley, black pepper, thyme, minced garlic, and egg. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are fully integrated into a uniform mixture.
- Form the meatballs: Using a #20 scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), portion out the meat mixture and gently shape each scoop into a round meatball with your hands to ensure consistent size.
- First bake: Arrange the formed meatballs evenly spaced in an oven-safe dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 390°F (approximately 200°C) for 15 minutes to start cooking through.
- Flip and continue baking: Carefully turn each meatball over to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the meatballs develop a golden crust.
- Add sauce and cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly cover the meatballs with marinara sauce. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the sauced meatballs.
- Final bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is golden brown, indicating the dish is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the meatballs with additional fresh parsley or basil leaves for color and flavor. Serve the meatballs hot, accompanied by sides such as mashed potatoes or pasta if desired.
Notes
- Using a #20 scoop ensures uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
- Chili flakes are optional for added heat; omit if a milder flavor is preferred.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme elevate the taste but dried herbs could be substituted in a pinch.
- Be careful not to overbake initially to keep meat moist—baking in stages helps maintain juiciness.
- Serve immediately after baking for best texture and flavor.
