Introduction (short)
These Ultimate Baked Cheesy Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and loaded with melted cheese inside and on top. Perfect for pasta, subs, or serving as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for mixing)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely grated or chopped
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling before baking)
For the Sauce & Topping:
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, and seasonings.
Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella into the mixture and fold gently.
Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each).
Place meatballs on the tray and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Pour marinara sauce into a baking dish and place meatballs over it.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Return to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheesy.
Garnish and serve hot.
How to Make
Prepare the meat mixture by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
Fold the cheese into the mixture so every meatball is cheesy inside.
Shape into even-sized meatballs for even cooking.
Bake them until lightly browned.
Spread sauce in a baking dish and nestle the cooked meatballs into it.
Cover with more cheese and bake again to melt everything into perfection.
Serve with pasta, bread, or enjoy on their own.
Variations
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for an oozy center.
Spicy Meatballs: Add extra chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Herb Lovers Version: Add basil, thyme, and rosemary to boost flavor.
Low-Carb/Keto: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option.
Creamy Alfredo Meatballs: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and top with Parmesan.
Tips
Do not overmix the meat; this keeps meatballs soft, not tough.
Grating the onion instead of chopping makes the meatballs more tender.
Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better than packaged.
Bake on high heat to get a nice golden crust.
Let meatballs rest 5 minutes before serving so flavors settle.
Freeze leftovers in sauce for up to 3 months.
Conclusion (short)
These Ultimate Baked Cheesy Meatballs are rich, tender, and loaded with flavor—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy them with your favorite sides!
If you like, I can also give you a spicy version, Middle Eastern version, or PDF format.
Introduction (short)
These Ultimate Baked Cheesy Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and loaded with melted cheese inside and on top. Perfect for pasta, subs, or serving as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for mixing)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely grated or chopped
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling before baking)
For the Sauce & Topping:
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, and seasonings.
Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella into the mixture and fold gently.
Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each).
Place meatballs on the tray and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Pour marinara sauce into a baking dish and place meatballs over it.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Return to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheesy.
Garnish and serve hot.
How to Make
Prepare the meat mixture by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
Fold the cheese into the mixture so every meatball is cheesy inside.
Shape into even-sized meatballs for even cooking.
Bake them until lightly browned.
Spread sauce in a baking dish and nestle the cooked meatballs into it.
Cover with more cheese and bake again to melt everything into perfection.
Serve with pasta, bread, or enjoy on their own.
Variations
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for an oozy center.
Spicy Meatballs: Add extra chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Herb Lovers Version: Add basil, thyme, and rosemary to boost flavor.
Low-Carb/Keto: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option.
Creamy Alfredo Meatballs: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and top with Parmesan.
Tips
Do not overmix the meat; this keeps meatballs soft, not tough.
Grating the onion instead of chopping makes the meatballs more tender.
Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better than packaged.
Bake on high heat to get a nice golden crust.
Let meatballs rest 5 minutes before serving so flavors settle.
Freeze leftovers in sauce for up to 3 months.
Conclusion (short)
These Ultimate Baked Cheesy Meatballs are rich, tender, and loaded with flavor—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy them with your favorite sides!