Cheesy Meatball Bake (1 Hr, 10 Mins)

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Dive into the savory world of this cheesy meatball bake, a delectable dish that combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with rich marinara sauce and a generous topping of melted cheese.

This comforting dish is perfect for those who crave the essence of Italian cuisine without the pasta, focusing instead on the meatballs and their delightful accompaniments.

Ideal for family dinners or as a hearty appetizer, this meatball bake is sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious.

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
For the bake:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven (5 minutes):
    Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Meatball Mixture (10 minutes):
    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
  3. Form Meatballs (10 minutes):
    Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake Meatballs (20 minutes):
    Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
  5. Assemble the Dish (5 minutes):
    In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add the baked meatballs on top of the sauce, then cover them with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake the Dish (15 minutes):
    Bake the dish in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Garnish and Serve (5 minutes):
    Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

This cheesy meatball bake is a testament to the joy of simple, hearty meals that bring people together.

The key to making this dish shine is using quality ingredients and not overcooking the meatballs to ensure they remain juicy and flavorful.

This dish is versatile, perfect for a cozy family dinner, and guaranteed to be a hit for any occasion that calls for a comforting, cheesy, and meaty meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1100mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 46g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Knots

Start with some store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience. Roll it out on a floured surface and slice it into even strips. Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot, placing each one onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven and let them bake until they're golden and slightly puffed. While they're doing their magic in the oven, melt some butter in a pan and sauté finely minced garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Add a sprinkle of salt, parsley, and maybe even a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to this buttery concoction. Once the knots are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture.

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Simple Tossed Salad

Start by tearing your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a cool and crunchy base. Thinly slice a red onion, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick. For a refreshing crunch, slice up some cucumber, and for a sweet contrast, add in slivers of red pepper. Once your components are prepped and in the bowl, give everything a good toss, ensuring the ingredients are mixed and every bite will have a little bit of everything. For a simple dressing, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, adding a burst of citrusy brightness.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!