These cheesy oven-baked meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Made with ground meat, cheese, and fresh tomatoes, they offer a delightful combination of flavors.
The recipe is simple and can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Serve them with pasta, in a sub, or on their own for a tasty meal.
Overview of Cheesy Oven-Baked Meatballs
Cheesy oven-baked meatballs present a delightful option for family dinners or meal prep.
These meatballs combine ground meat with cheese and fresh tomatoes, creating a satisfying dish that is both hearty and flavorful.
The simplicity of this recipe allows for customization with various herbs and spices, making it versatile for different palates.
Whether served with pasta, in a sub, or on their own, these meatballs are sure to please.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The foundation of these meatballs lies in the quality of the ingredients used.
Ground beef or turkey forms the base, while breadcrumbs and cheeses add texture and flavor.
The inclusion of fresh parsley not only enhances the taste but also adds a pop of color.
Incorporating diced tomatoes into the sauce brings a fresh, tangy element to the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese.
A touch of olive oil and optional sugar can help create a well-rounded sauce that complements the meatballs beautifully.
Preparation Steps for Success
To achieve perfectly baked meatballs, start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
This ensures an even cooking temperature, allowing the meatballs to brown nicely.
Mixing the ingredients thoroughly is essential for flavor distribution.
Once shaped into meatballs, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Creating the Rich Tomato Sauce
While the meatballs bake, preparing the tomato sauce is a straightforward task.
Heating olive oil in a saucepan and adding diced tomatoes creates a base that simmers to develop flavor.
Allowing the sauce to thicken slightly enhances its richness, making it the perfect partner for the meatballs.
The optional sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a well-rounded sauce.
Combining Flavors for the Perfect Dish
Once the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, they are ready to be combined with the tomato sauce.
This step allows the meatballs to soak up the flavors of the sauce, creating a harmonious dish.
Top with additional cheese before serving to create a melty, inviting finish.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Cheesy oven-baked meatballs can be served in various ways, making them a versatile meal option.
They can be enjoyed over a bed of spaghetti, stuffed into a sub for a hearty sandwich, or served alone with a side salad.
Experimenting with different herbs and spices can also lead to exciting variations.
Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or basil for a fresh twist. The possibilities are endless, ensuring this dish can be adapted to suit any occasion.
Easy Cheesy Meatballs Recipe
This recipe features juicy meatballs baked in the oven until golden and topped with melted cheese. The meatballs are served in a rich tomato sauce, making it a hearty dish that serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Additional cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes and sugar (if using), and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are done, place them in the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Top with additional cheese and let it melt before serving. Enjoy with pasta, in a sub, or on their own.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g