Print

Cheesy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

These Meatballs with Cheese and Marinara Sauce are a delicious and hearty dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs infused with fresh herbs and garlic. Baked to perfection and topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, they are simmered in a rich homemade marinara sauce for a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme

Cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and thyme. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure they cook evenly.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until they begin to brown and are mostly cooked through.
  5. Add Cheese and Sauce: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Add chili flakes now if using.
  6. Bake Until Cheese Melts: Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot as a main dish alongside pasta, crusty bread, or a salad.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, soak breadcrumbs in milk and add to the meatball mixture if desired.
  • You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
  • If you prefer, pan-fry meatballs on medium heat until browned before adding sauce and cheese for more crust.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.

Keywords: meatballs, cheese, marinara sauce, Italian recipe, baked meatballs, Parmesan, mozzarella, easy dinner

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/cheesy-meatballs-in-marinara-sauce-recipe/