If there’s one dish that always brings a crowd-pleasing, cheesy comfort to the table, it’s Meatball Parmesan. Hearty meatballs, bubbling marinara, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella come together for a main course that feels like a warm hug. This is the kind of meal that smells like home, tastes like nostalgia, and satisfies every craving for classic Italian-American goodness—perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Meatball Parmesan plays its own crucial part, from rich meats to aromatic herbs and, of course, plenty of cheese. With just these essential staples, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to layer big flavors and create stunning color and texture in the finished dish.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty flavor and juicy texture to each meatball.
- Ground pork (1/2 pound): Adds tenderness and a bit of richness that balances out the beef.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps hold the meatballs together and keeps them deliciously moist inside.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds salty, nutty flavor right into the meatball mixture.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the meatballs with classic Italian aroma and taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Brightens every bite and adds a vibrant color.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs intact.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a hint of spice and warmth.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): The flavorful, tomato-rich base that marries the dish together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (1/4 cup): Creates a crisp, savory finish when baked.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the meatballs to golden-brown before baking.
How to Make Meatball Parmesan
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the cheese bubbles and browns beautifully later on. Meanwhile, grab your largest mixing bowl—there’s something so satisfying about rolling up your sleeves and gathering all those fresh ingredients together.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Add the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper into the bowl. Mix everything with your hands or a spatula until just combined; try not to overwork the mixture so the meatballs stay light and tender. Once mixed, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs for that perfect bite-sized experience.
Step 3: Sear the Meatballs
Pour the olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium. Once the oil shimmers, add the meatballs in batches, if needed, and sear them until all sides are browned—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Searing locks in juices and builds a gorgeous foundation of flavor for your Meatball Parmesan.
Step 4: Add Marinara and Bake
When the meatballs are browned, pour marinara sauce over them right in the skillet. Then, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let everything bake for 15 minutes. The sauce and meatballs will simmer together, infusing each other with even more flavor.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Take the skillet out (careful—it’s hot!) and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella plus the extra Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Slide the skillet back into the oven for another 10 minutes. When the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, your Meatball Parmesan is ready to impress!
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley makes this dish pop with color and adds a subtle note of freshness. You can also drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil or add a few grinds of black pepper right before serving for an extra-special touch.
Side Dishes
Meatball Parmesan shines whether it sits atop a bed of spaghetti, gets piled into a warm hoagie roll for the ultimate sub, or stands proudly alongside a crisp Caesar salad. Garlic bread or roasted veggies turn it into a full feast—just grab plenty of napkins for cheese pulls!
Creative Ways to Present
Entertaining? Try serving mini Meatball Parmesan bites as appetizers on toothpicks with a little extra marinara for dipping. Or go family-style by baking everything in a big casserole dish and letting everyone dig in. However you serve it, this dish is meant for sharing and making memories.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your Meatball Parmesan to an airtight container as soon as it cools. Store it in the fridge and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best flavor and texture.
Freezing
To freeze, let your meatballs cool completely, then pack them (sauce and all) in a freezer-safe dish. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the top layer of cheese—then finish baking after thawing.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese remelts, or microwave individual portions for a quick and cozy meal. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef or swap in ground turkey?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still give your Meatball Parmesan great flavor, while ground turkey can be used for a leaner option. Just check for doneness, as turkey cooks a bit faster.
What’s the best way to keep meatballs moist?
Mix the ingredients gently (don’t overwork the meat), and don’t skip those breadcrumbs or the egg—they help lock in moisture for juicy, tender meatballs every time.
Can I make Meatball Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. Pop into the oven when you’re ready to serve for a super-convenient homemade meal.
Is store-bought marinara sauce okay?
Definitely. Use your favorite jarred marinara for a quick shortcut, or make your own if you’re feeling like a kitchen superstar. Either way, the Meatball Parmesan will be delicious.
Can I turn this into meatball subs?
For sure! Load the finished meatballs, sauce, and cheese into toasted sub rolls, broil for a minute to melt everything together, and you’ve got an irresistible, cheesy Meatball Parmesan sandwich.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted homemade Meatball Parmesan, you’ll understand why it’s such a go-to comfort food. The rich aroma, cheesy topping, and juicy meatballs just can’t be beat—so gather your favorite people and give this classic a try. You’ll be making it on repeat!
Print
Meatball Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting recipe for Meatball Parmesan that combines flavorful meatballs with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Form into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Sear the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned.
- Bake: Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the meatballs, then bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey for a leaner option
- Versatile dish – serve over spaghetti, in hoagie rolls, or as a main with a side salad
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
