
Cheesy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce: A Quick and Easy Comfort Dish
Looking for a simple and satisfying meal? These Cheesy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy meatballs with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Whether you serve them over pasta, in a sub roll, or on their own, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Let’s walk through this easy recipe that’s perfect for busy nights or a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point as they will finish in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- Pour the marinara sauce into a baking dish.
- Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to the dish with marinara sauce. Make sure the meatballs are covered with the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the meatballs in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F if using beef).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve over pasta, in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or enjoy as they are with a side of garlic bread.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, mix some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the meatball mixture before forming them.
- To make these meatballs lighter, try using ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
- If you want a crispier texture, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 10-12 minutes before adding them to the marinara sauce to finish cooking.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Conclusion:
These Cheesy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. Tender meatballs, savory marinara, and melty mozzarella cheese combine to create a dish that’s satisfying and delicious. Whether you serve it with pasta, on a sandwich, or on its own, this recipe will become a family favorite. Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s the ideal meal for any occasion. Try it tonight and enjoy a plate full of cheesy, saucy goodness!