Meatball and Cheese Bake: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight
If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering, this Meatball and Cheese Bake is exactly what you need. Combining juicy, flavorful meatballs with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of pasta or garlic bread.
Why You’ll Love This Meatball and Cheese Bake
This dish is the perfect combination of tender meatballs and rich, melty cheese all baked together in a savory marinara sauce. It’s simple to prepare, and the flavors come together beautifully in the oven. The result is a warm, bubbling dish that’s sure to satisfy any comfort food craving.
Ingredients: A Delicious Combination of Meat and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this meatball and cheese bake:
Ground Beef: 1 lb of lean ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for flavorful meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs.
Egg: 1 large egg to hold the meatballs together.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for flavor in the meatballs.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty flavor in the meatballs.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a classic herb flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the meatballs.
Marinara Sauce: 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for that delicious melty topping.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Meatball and Cheese Bake
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overwork the mixture.
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
Prepare the Marinara and Cheese:
While the meatballs are baking, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
Assemble the Meatball and Cheese Bake:
Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the meatballs.
Bake Until Bubbly:
Return the assembled dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Serve and Garnish:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Variations and Tips
Add Pasta: You can serve this dish over pasta for a complete meal, or mix cooked pasta into the sauce before baking.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Different Meats: You can use a combination of ground beef, pork, or even turkey for the meatballs.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This Meatball and Cheese Bake is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it an even more satisfying meal:
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the extra sauce.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy bake.
Pasta: Pair with spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta for a heartier meal.
Conclusion: A Cheesy and Comforting Dish
This Meatball and Cheese Bake is the perfect combination of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with pasta and garlic bread, this dish is pure comfort food at its best!