Name: Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

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If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with Italian-American flavor, this Meatball Parmesan is about to become your go-to recipe. The juicy meatballs are baked to perfection, smothered in marinara and stretchy mozzarella, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, Meatball Parmesan does it all—with plenty of melty, saucy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in how just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients combine to create a dinner that’s satisfyingly rich and full of Italian-inspired flair. Each component brings something important, so don’t skip any if you want the best flavor and texture!

Ground Beef: Gives the meatballs their hearty, tender bite and richness.
Breadcrumbs: Lightens the texture and helps bind everything together—use gluten-free if needed!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds deep, nutty flavor and ties the whole Italian vibe together.
Large Egg: Essential for binding the meatballs and keeping them moist.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the meat with bold, aromatic flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Delivers those classic herbal notes that make Meatball Parmesan so irresistible.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out every other flavor in the mix.
Marinara Sauce: The saucy base—choose a good quality jarred version or homemade for extra flair.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden crown on top of the meatballs.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for topping): Amps up the cheesy crust on the finished dish.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): Brings a pop of color and freshness to every serving.

How to Make Meatball Parmesan

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with clean hands or a sturdy spoon and mix until just combined. This step lays the foundation for flavorful, juicy meatballs that hold their shape but stay wonderfully tender after baking.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, aiming for even sizes to ensure all your meatballs cook at the same rate. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re browned and cooked through. Baking instead of frying keeps things easy, hands-off, and just a little lighter!

Step 3: Combine with Sauce and Cheese

Carefully transfer the baked meatballs to a baking dish, nestling them close together. Pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure every meatball is coated in that tomatoey goodness. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and reserved Parmesan cheese evenly over everything—because let’s be honest, the more cheese, the better.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Return the dish to the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, and the top starts turning golden brown. This is where the magic happens: the cheese crisps up, the sauce thickens just a bit, and the kitchen smells absolutely incredible.

Step 5: Add Fresh Garnish and Serve

Once the Meatball Parmesan is bubbling and golden, take it out of the oven and top with chopped fresh basil or parsley if you like a hit of color and freshness. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to help the cheese set slightly—then dive in!

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan

Garnishes

A flurry of freshly chopped basil or parsley takes your Meatball Parmesan from delicious to restaurant-worthy. Not only do these herbs add a pop of color, but they balance the richness of the cheese and sauce with a little brightness. If you crave even more Italian flair, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a quick drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.

Side Dishes

There are classic combos that just never miss the mark: serve your Meatball Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti for peak comfort, tuck a few meatballs and plenty of sauce into toasted hoagie rolls for an incredible sandwich, or keep it light with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread. Each pairing makes the meal a little different, but all are equally irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try serving your Meatball Parmesan as party sliders (just pop a meatball and sauce on mini buns), spoon over creamy polenta for a twist, or layer into a casserole with penne pasta for a hearty baked pasta dish. However you serve it, you’re guaranteed plenty of requests for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meatball Parmesan stores beautifully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually meld and deepen, making your next day’s meal extra delicious.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, bake the meatballs, let them cool, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Add sauce and cheese later when ready to reheat for the best flavor and texture. Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating

To rekindle that just-baked magic, reheat Meatball Parmesan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted, about 15–20 minutes. If you’re just doing a single serving, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover to avoid splatters.

FAQs

Can I make Meatball Parmesan with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just be aware that these meats are leaner, so your meatballs might be a bit less juicy. Adding a splash of milk or a drizzle of olive oil can help keep them tender.

What’s the best cheese for topping Meatball Parmesan?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for that perfectly melty, gooey topping, paired with Parmesan for extra depth and a little salty bite. If you want to experiment, try provolone or even fontina for a twist!

Can I prepare Meatball Parmesan ahead of time for a party?

This dish is a party lifesaver—just bake the meatballs and assemble up to a day in advance, then add sauce and cheese and bake right before guests arrive. You’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven wow factor with hardly any last-minute work.

How do I make this recipe gluten free?

Go for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check your marinara sauce to make sure it doesn’t contain any added wheat products. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten free, so no need to compromise on flavor or texture!

What’s the best way to serve Meatball Parmesan for a crowd?

For a crowd, bake up a double batch and serve straight from a big baking dish, or set up a pasta bar with spaghetti, rolls, and plenty of extra sauce and Parmesan cheese. Let everyone assemble their own plate just the way they like it!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Meatball Parmesan—it’s the kind of meal that always hits the spot, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a dish for sharing with friends. If you’ve never baked meatballs before or layered them with cheese and marinara, you are in for a treat. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll be a new staple in your kitchen.

Meatball Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Meatball Parmesan with this easy-to-follow recipe. These juicy meatballs are baked to perfection, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Assembly:

2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Assemble: Transfer meatballs to a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Bake for another 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.