Meatball Parmesan

Craving a comforting and satisfying dinner option that will leave your taste buds dancing? Look no further than this delightful Meatball Parmesan recipe. Bursting with flavors and textures, it’s a surefire way to please the whole family. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup dry breadcrumbs or 4 slices stale white bread
• 2 tablespoons milk or 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:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, ensuring breadcrumbs are fully coated. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the liquid is almost absorbed. Add in eggs, salt, pepper, ⅓ of the Parmesan, parsley, basil, and oregano, stirring until well combined. Gently fold in the ground meat until just mixed, then form the mixture into 2½-inch balls.
3. Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. For a deeper color, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce either by heating store-bought marinara sauce or making your own homemade version.
5. Assemble and Bake: Brush a skillet with canola oil or nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of sauce in the skillet, sprinkle with ⅓ of the grated Parmesan, then arrange the meatballs with space between them. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with another third of Parmesan. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes until the sauce is hot and bubbly.
6. Add Cheese: Top each meatball with a slice of fresh mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
7. Serve: Allow the Meatball Parmesan to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair it with a toasty Italian baguette and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
• Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the Meatball Parmesan for an added burst of flavor and a touch of vibrant color.
2. Serve with Pasta: For a classic pairing, serve the Meatball Parmesan over a bed of al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape. The pasta will soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing every bite.
3. Add a Side of Garlic Bread: Accompany your Meatball Parmesan with some warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. The crispy bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
4. Pair with a Red Wine: Enhance the dining experience by serving a glass of your favorite red wine alongside the Meatball Parmesan. The rich flavors of the dish complement the boldness of red wines like Chianti or Merlot.
5. Top with Freshly Grated Parmesan: Just before serving, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the Meatball Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the meatballs and sauce are completely cooled before transferring them to the container.
2. Freezing: Meatball Parmesan can also be frozen for longer storage. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing: When ready to enjoy your frozen Meatball Parmesan, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or additional sauce to prevent it from drying out.
4. Revive with Extra Sauce: If the sauce thickens upon reheating, simply add a little extra marinara sauce or a splash of water to loosen it up and restore its sauciness.
5. Reheating: Reheat individual portions of Meatball Parmesan in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

 

Variations :

1. Turkey Meatball Parmesan:

For a lighter twist, swap out the ground beef with lean ground turkey. Season the turkey meatballs with Italian herbs and spices for flavor. Proceed with the recipe as directed, topping with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a healthier yet equally delicious version of Meatball Parmesan.

2. Vegetarian Meatball Parmesan:

Embrace the meat-free lifestyle by preparing vegetarian meatballs using ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, quinoa, or chickpeas. Form these plant-based ingredients into balls, bake until golden brown, and then proceed with the recipe as usual. Top with marinara sauce and vegetarian-friendly cheese for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.

3. Spicy Meatball Parmesan:

Add a kick of heat to your Meatball Parmesan by incorporating spicy Italian sausage into the meatball mixture. Alternatively, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick. Serve with a dollop of hot sauce or sprinkle with additional chili flakes for those who like it fiery.

4. Mediterranean-Inspired Meatball Parmesan:

Infuse your Meatball Parmesan with Mediterranean flavors by seasoning the meatballs with garlic, cumin, and coriander. Serve over couscous or quinoa instead of pasta for a nutritious twist. Garnish with chopped fresh mint and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing finish.

5. Mini Meatball Parmesan Sliders:

Transform your Meatball Parmesan into bite-sized delights by forming the meat mixture into smaller balls. Bake until cooked through, then sandwich each meatball between mini slider buns. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for irresistible Meatball Parmesan sliders that are perfect for parties or game day gatherings.

6. Stuffed Meatball Parmesan:

Elevate your Meatball Parmesan by stuffing each meatball with a surprise filling. Try stuffing with a cube of mozzarella cheese, a slice of pepperoni, or a dollop of ricotta cheese mixed with spinach and herbs. Bake until the meatballs are cooked through and the filling is melted and gooey.

7. BBQ Meatball Parmesan:

Give your Meatball Parmesan a barbecue twist by mixing barbecue sauce into the meatball mixture. Bake until golden brown, then top with a blend of barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. Finish with shredded cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a smoky, tangy flavor profile.

8. Pesto Meatball Parmesan:

Infuse your Meatball Parmesan with the vibrant flavors of homemade pesto. Add pesto to the meatball mixture for an aromatic and flavorful twist. Serve over pasta tossed with extra pesto or drizzle with additional pesto sauce for a burst of freshness.

FAQs 

With its blend of savory meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this Meatball Parmesan recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some hearty comfort food, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Try it out tonight and prepare to be amazed by its deliciousness!