Cheesy Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce: The Perfect Comfort Food

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal, these Cheesy Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are the perfect dish. With juicy, tender meatballs smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you serve it over pasta, with garlic bread, or on its own, it’s an irresistible dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. After browning the meatballs, transfer them to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Top the meatballs with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
2. Serve the cheesy meatballs with spaghetti, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or alongside garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Meatballs:

• For extra flavor, mix in a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil or parsley into the meatball mixture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef.
• Make sure to brown the meatballs before baking them in the sauce. This adds flavor and keeps the meatballs from becoming too soft during baking.
• You can also make your own marinara sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a fresher, homemade taste.

Conclusion:

These Cheesy Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese is unbeatable. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!