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Introduction
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Baked Meatballs with Mozzarella is a hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines juicy, homemade meatballs with a tangy marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. This comfort food is perfect for family dinners and can be served with pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. The recipe is simple to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs (80/20 works best)
- Onion: 1, grated
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Italian Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup (add more if needed)
For the Dish:
- Cooked Meatballs: 20–24
- Marinara Sauce: 24 oz (1 jar)
- Fresh Mozzarella: 8 oz, shredded
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated onion, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the ground beef and mix with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Gradually mix in the bread crumbs until the mixture holds together.
- Shape the mixture into 20–24 meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray for easier cleanup.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through.
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread half of the marinara sauce into a large oven-proof dish or skillet. Arrange the cooked meatballs on top and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the meatballs.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Serve the meatballs hot with pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Baked Meatballs with Mozzarella is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. The combination of tender meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella creates a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Pair it with your favorite sides for a dinner the whole family will love!
For more details, visit the full recipe