Meatball Parmesan bake

This Meatball Parmesan recipe brings together juicy meatballs drenched in savory pasta sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special enough for a weekend dinner yet straightforward enough for a weeknight treat.

I first made these meatballs for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds. The blend of cheeses and herbs never fails to impress guests and family alike.

Ingredients

• One pound lean ground beef: to keep the meatballs tender without too much fat
• One pound Italian ground pork: for added moisture and traditional flavor
• Half a cup Italian breadcrumbs: absorbs moisture and helps bind the mixture
• Quarter cup whole milk: for a creamy texture
• One tablespoon minced garlic: to bring aromatic depth
• Two teaspoons Italian seasoning: creates the classic herb blend
• Two teaspoons onion powder: enhances savory notes
• One tablespoon dried parsley: adds fresh herbal brightness
• One cup shredded Parmesan cheese: lends salty richness
• One teaspoon salt and half teaspoon pepper: balance the flavors
• Two lightly beaten eggs: bind the meat mixture without making it dense
• One and a half 24-ounce jars of pasta sauce: for generous coverage and moisture
• One to one and a half cups shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into a gooey topping
• Half teaspoon Italian seasoning: sprinkled on top intensifies the flavor
• One tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil: for a fresh, fragrant garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a large cast iron skillet with foil to make cleanup easier

Mix Ingredients:

Combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and beaten eggs in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined being careful not to overwork the meat to keep meatballs tender

Shape Meatballs:

Use an ice cream scoop to shape the mixture into 17 large meatballs or 34 smaller ones for faster cooking and more bite-sized portions

Bake Meatballs:

Place the meatballs on the foil-lined skillet and bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes if large or 20 minutes if smaller. Remove carefully and place the skillet on a hot pad

Reduce Temperature & Prepare Sauce:

Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Remove the foil from the skillet and pour half of the pasta sauce on the bottom

Add Meatballs and Sauce:

Nestle the cooked meatballs back into the skillet on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs evenly

Add Cheese and Seasoning:

Sprinkle one to one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella on top along with half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning

Bake Covered:

Cover the skillet with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees. Then remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly

Finish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a fresh herbal pop. Serve alongside your favorite pasta for a complete meal

One memorable Christmas dinner featured these meatballs, and they were gone faster than the roast. Everyone keeps asking for the recipe ever since.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melty. This recipe also freezes well& freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately or combined in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef or pork for a lighter option, but watch cooking times as they tend to be leaner. You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions if needed. Using fresh garlic instead of minced jarred garlic brings a brighter flavor especially if you sauté it briefly before mixing.

Serving suggestions

Serve over spaghetti or linguine tossed in olive oil and garlic for a simple base that lets the meatballs shine. Add a side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

This recipe balances hearty flavors and ease of preparation perfectly, making it a great go-to for family dinners.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What types of meat are used?

Lean ground beef and Italian ground pork combine for a flavorful and moist meatball mixture.

→ How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?

Mix ingredients gently without overworking and use a combination of eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs to retain moisture.

→ What cheeses are included in this dish?

Parmesan is mixed into the meatballs, and mozzarella is layered on top before the final bake.

→ Can I use other herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, fresh or dried basil, oregano, and parsley work well to maintain an Italian flavor profile.

→ What's the best way to serve this dish?

Serve the baked meatballs over your favorite pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.