Name: Meatball and Mozzarella Bake
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity); 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional); 1 jar (or Quick Marinara Sauce, above); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh or dried parsley for garnish

Description

This comforting Meatball and Mozzarella Bake combines juicy meatballs, gooey melted mozzarella, and a rich marinara sauce for an irresistible meal. Perfect as a main dish, side, or even served with bread for sliders, this versatile recipe is a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic, minced

For the Quick Marinara Sauce (Optional):

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

For the Bake:

1 jar (or Quick Marinara Sauce, above)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh or dried parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your broiler and line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overmix.
- Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop (or your hands) to form meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
Make the Quick Marinara Sauce (if using):
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if desired). Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add fresh basil during the last 5 minutes, if using.
Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to broil.
- Transfer the cooked meatballs to a 9×13 baking dish. Pour marinara sauce (homemade or jarred) evenly over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with parsley for a festive touch.
- Serve with pasta, bread rolls, or enjoy as a standalone dish.

Notes

Double or triple the meatball recipe to freeze extra for future meals.
Use dried parsley if fresh isn’t available.
Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cook Time: 35