Meatball Parmesan

Want to experience true Italian comfort food with a classic twist? Let’s talk about Meatball Parmesan. This savory delight is essentially Italian meatballs, smothered in lovely marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses – oh my! Ideal for family weeknight dinners, potlucks or simply whenever you feel like a hug from the inside. Believe me, one bite into these cheesy orbs of goodness and you’ll be teleported straight to Italy. And trust me when I say out of all the meatball recipes you find out there, there’s something deliriously good about this one.

This Parmesan meatball recipe is juicy, tender and brimming with flavors, making it an absolute must-try for folks who love their carbs as much as they love their protein. If cheese, meatballs, and Italian flavors are your jam, you’re going to love, love, love this recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 16 meatballs

Ready to tantalize your taste-buds with this Italian classic? Let’s dive right into it.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, baking dish

The parmesan cheese and bread crumbs together make the meatballs tender and oozing with flavor while the marinara sauce and mozzarella create that beautiful cheesy crust on top. Can’t find fresh parsley or Parmesan? Try dried herbs and Pecorino Romano as substitutes.

How To Make Meatball Parmesan

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 16 balls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6. Return to oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly for about 15 minutes.
7. Let meatballs cool for 5 minutes before serving with pasta or bread.

Tips For The Best Results

• Do not overmix the meatball mixture, as it will result in tougher meatballs.
• Use a cookie scoop to get uniform meatballs.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Meatball Parmesan freezes well. Just reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the meatballs, freeze them, and use them as needed.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: For sure! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of Meatball Parmesan.

Q: Can I substitute store-bought marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works great in a pinch.

Q: I don’t have fresh parsley. Can I use dried?
A: Yes, when substituting dried herbs for fresh, use 1/3 of the amount.

Q: Can I add more cheese?
A: Cheese lovers, add away! More cheese never hurt anyone.

Nutritional Facts of Meatball Parmesan

Mealball Parmesan is relatively high in protein and fat due to the beef and cheese. It also provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin C due to the cheese and tomato sauce respectively. Note that the calorie content can vary based on the type and amount of meat and cheese used.

In conclusion, Meatball Parmesan is an irresistible dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it with pasta, bread or eat it solo, one thing’s for sure; there’s no better tribute to Italian cuisine. So, why not take your taste buds on a joyride to Italy tonight with this flavor-packed recipe?