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.

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/cheesy-meatball-bake-1-hr-10-mins/