Ultimate Cheesy Baked Italian Meatballs
Tender, juicy Italian meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese… this comforting dish is pure homemade happiness. Perfect for pasta night, family dinners, or served with warm garlic bread!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 lb (450 g) ground beef, or a mix of beef and pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain, Panko, or Italian-seasoned)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk (optional, for extra soft meatballs)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce & Topping
2 cups marinara sauce
1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into medium-sized meatballs and place them on a lined baking tray or lightly greased baking dish.
Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
Add the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are nicely coated.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top.
Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Garnish & Serve
Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with spaghetti, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Best Meatballs
Don’t overmix the meat mixture — it keeps the meatballs tender.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
Cheesy, saucy, and irresistibly comforting — this is the kind of recipe everyone asks for again and again!
