Tender homemade meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce and covered with plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. A warm, comforting family-style dinner that tastes like a classic homemade favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For the Sauce:
3 cups marinara sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk.
Let them sit for about 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the milk. This helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Make the Meatball Mixture
Add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan, parsley, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined.
Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
You should get approximately 24–28 meatballs.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each one.
Brown the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs for 12–15 minutes, just until they are lightly browned on the outside.
They do not need to be completely cooked at this stage because they will finish cooking in the sauce.
Alternatively, you can brown them in a large skillet with a little olive oil for extra flavor.
Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, combine the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional sugar in a saucepan.
Simmer over medium-low heat for 8–10 minutes.
Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Assemble the Bake
Spread about 1 cup of the sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange the browned meatballs evenly in the dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over and around the meatballs.
Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional provolone evenly over the top.
Bake the Meatball Casserole
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Broil for a Golden Top
For an extra golden, bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven to broil.
Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Garlic bread
Mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Caesar salad
Green beans
Crusty Italian bread
A simple garden salad
Recipe Notes
A combination of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs excellent flavor and tenderness.
You can use all ground beef if preferred.
Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk helps create soft, juicy meatballs.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the meatballs better flavor and texture.
For extra cheesy meatballs, place a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball before rolling.
If using very lean ground beef, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture.
Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.
Nut Information
Contains tree nuts: No
Contains peanuts: No
Contains almonds: No
Contains walnuts: No
Contains pecans: No
Contains cashews: No
Contains pistachios: No
Contains coconut: No
Allergy Information
Contains dairy: Yes — milk, Parmesan, mozzarella, and optional provolone
Contains eggs: Yes
Contains gluten: Yes — regular breadcrumbs
Contains soy: May be present in breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, and packaged cheese; check labels
Contains nuts: No
Contains peanuts: No
Q&A
Q: Can I use only ground beef?
A: Yes. Replace the pork with an additional 1/2 lb of ground beef. For the juiciest result, use ground beef with moderate fat content.
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes. Shape the meatballs and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes. Cooked meatballs can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I freeze the complete meatball bake?
A: Yes. Allow it to cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout.
Q: How do I know when the meatballs are done?
A: The center of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef and pork. A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check.
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A: Yes. Frozen meatballs can be used for a quicker version. Follow the package cooking instructions and make sure they are heated through before serving.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or onions can be added to the casserole.
Q: What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
A: Provolone, Monterey Jack, Fontina, or an Italian cheese blend can be substituted.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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