Description
These baked meatballs are a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the savory richness of ground beef and pork with a tangy marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection in the oven, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed in various ways—served over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer at your next gathering. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated from a block
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 lbs. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
Sauce + Cheese
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Set aside and let cool.
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Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper and set aside.
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Crack an egg in a small bowl and whisk it. Add the milk and whisk to combine.
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Combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture to form a smooth paste. Mix in the onions and garlic. (This is called a panade and keeps the juiciness and flavor intact while the meatballs cook.)
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Add the meat to a large bowl and top with the panade. Use your hands and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs will be tough.
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Roll into 1 ½ inch meatballs.
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Pour ¾ of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Add the meatballs. Spoon remaining sauce over the top.
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Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
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Uncover and top with cheese. Bake 15 more minutes. Broil for additional 1-2 minutes at the end if desired. Use a paper towel to carefully dab off any excess grease on the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
For best results, be sure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs. If you’re looking to make a healthier version, consider using ground turkey or chicken, and experiment with different cheeses and sauces to suit your taste. This recipe can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for meal prep.