As the holiday season approaches, the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones fills the air. One dish that never fails to bring comfort and smiles around the table is Meatball Parmesan. This classic Italian-American recipe is a favorite for gatherings, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful feast. With rich marinara, gooey mozzarella, and that irresistible layer of melted cheese, it’s a dish that embodies the warmth of family and the spirit of togetherness.
Whether you’re celebrating with a festive gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, this Meatball Parmesan is sure to delight. Serve it alongside crusty Italian bread and a fresh salad, and you have a meal that’s perfect for creating cherished memories. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some holiday cheer to your dinner table!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dry breadcrumbs or 4 slices stale white bread
- 2 tablespoons milk, cream, or buttermilk
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided in thirds
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ pounds ground chuck or a blend of ground pork, ground sirloin, and ground chuck
- 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- ½ pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 2-inch pieces
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, stirring until the breadcrumbs are fully coated. Set aside for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to absorb.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, ⅓ of the Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Gently mix in the ground meat until just incorporated. Shape the mixture into 2½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. For an extra touch of color, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare your marinara sauce if you’re making it homemade.
- Assemble in the Skillet: Brush a 12-inch skillet with canola oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1 cup of sauce into the skillet and sprinkle with ⅓ of the remaining Parmesan cheese. Arrange the meatballs in the skillet, leaving some space between them. Pour the rest of the sauce over the meatballs and top with another third of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Again: Transfer the skillet to the oven and reduce the temperature to 375°F. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce is hot and bubbly. Top each meatball with a slice of fresh mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Allow the Meatball Parmesan to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a toasty Italian baguette and a fresh side salad.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cooking Time: 55 min | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Calories: Approx. 520 per serving | Servings: 6
This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner, bringing warmth and comfort to your holiday table!