RecipesGenie Blog

Cheesy Baked Italian Meatballs

Cheesy Baked Italian Meatballs

Cheesy Baked Italian Meatballs

By recipes genie | Published on December 28, 2024

Tools & Equipment

1
large mixing bowl
2
9x13 inch baking dish
3
measuring cups
4
measuring spoons
5
oven
6
meat thermometer
7
oven mitts

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1
    1 pound ground beef
  • 2
    0.5 pound ground pork

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1
    1.5 cup cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2
    0.5 cup cup grated parmesan cheese

Bread & Grains

  • 1
    0.5 cup cup breadcrumbs

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1
    2 cloves cloves garlic
  • 2
    0.25 cup cup chopped fresh parsley

Pantry

  • 1
    1 each large egg
  • 2
    0.5 teaspoon teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3
    0.5 teaspoon teaspoon dried basil
  • 4
    0.25 teaspoon teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 5
    1 teaspoon teaspoon salt
  • 6
    0.5 teaspoon teaspoon black pepper
  • 7
    24 ounce ounces marinara sauce

Directions

1

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for even baking.

2

Combine Meats

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Mix them gently with your hands until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

3

Add Seasoning and Binders

Mince the garlic cloves finely. Add the minced garlic, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.

Transform Any Food Photo Into a Recipe!

Snap a photo of any dish & instantly get a professional recipe with perfect ingredients, exact measurements & step-by-step instructions.

Get Access Now - Only $39
4

Form Meatballs

Gently roll the meat mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get around 18-20 meatballs. Use a spoon to help scoop the mixture if needed. Be careful not to pack the meat too tightly when forming the balls.

5

Arrange in Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the meatballs in the dish in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the baking dish, you may need to use multiple pans if necessary.

6

Add Marinara Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. This will keep the meatballs moist during baking and infuse them with flavor.

7

Add Cheeses

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. This will create a delicious, cheesy topping.

8

Bake Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted, golden and bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Warning: The baking dish and meatballs will be very hot. Use oven mitts when handling and avoid touching the dish with bare hands.

9

Rest and Cool

Let the meatballs rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to serve. Be careful as the dish will still be hot.

Recipe Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use a blend of beef, pork and veal for your meatballs.
  • If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
  • Use a cookie scoop to ensure the meatballs are all the same size.
  • If you prefer, you can pan-sear the meatballs before baking to give them a crispier texture.
  • To store leftovers, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories

350 kcal

Carbs

20g

Protein

25g

Fat

20g

Fiber

3g

Sugar

7g

Sat. Fat

9g

Sodium

800mg

Trans Fat

0g

Cholesterol

100mg

Potassium

400mg

Vitamin A

200%

Vitamin C

5%

Calcium

150%

Iron

4%

Experience The Future of Recipe Discovery

Transform any food photo into a detailed recipe in seconds with our advanced AI technology. Perfect ingredients, exact measurements & step-by-step instructions.

  • Unlimited Recipe Generation
  • Exact ingredients & clear instructions
  • 96% photo recognition rate
Get Access Now - Only $39Unlimited Recipes • One-Time Payment

Frequently Asked Questions