By Bring Meatball Parmesan to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Meatball Parmesan captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Meatball Parmesan becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
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
Recommended Equipment:
Baking Sheet
PREPARATION STEPS
Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs (or torn bread pieces) and milk
Stir until breadcrumbs are completely coated
Set aside for 5 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed.
Add eggs, salt, pepper, ⅓ of the Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir well.
Add ground meat and mix gently just until incorporated. Form the mixture into 2½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through. For more color, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce (if making homemade).
Brush a 12-inch skillet with canola oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
9
Place 1 cup of sauce in the skillet and sprinkle with ⅓ of the grated Parmesan
Arrange the meatballs in the skillet, leaving space between them
Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with another third of the grated Parmesan.
10
Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly
Top each meatball with a slice of fresh mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan
Cook until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Allow the Meatball Parmesan to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve with a toasty Italian baguette and a side salad.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 55 min
Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
Servings: 6
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
