Meatball Parmigiana is here to deliver unapologetic cheesy goodness. And just like a great chicken Parm, this meatball version has everything you love—crispy edges, saucy vibes and a blanket of melted cheese—but it is built around juicy homemade meatballs.

This meatball recipe brings full red-sauce-joint energy without having to go to a restaurant. It’s hearty, saucy and gloriously stretchy with cheese—the kind of dinner that exists solely to justify garlic bread and answer the eternal question of “What’s for dinner?” with confidence.

Ingredients for Meatball Parmigiana

• Ground beef: Ground beef forms the juicy base of the meatballs. Using leaner mixtures works well, but a higher fat content will add more moisture and flavor.
• Eggs: Most meatballs require eggs as a binder. Eggs add moisture for tender meatballs and contribute to a cohesive texture so the meatballs hold their shape.
• Onion: A finely chopped small onion adds savory depth and aromatic flavor to these meatballs.
• Soft bread crumbs: Soft bread crumbs act like tiny sponges, absorbing moisture and ensuring each meatball stays light rather than dense. To make them from scratch, tear bread (day-old works great here) into pieces and place the pieces in a food processor or blender. Cover and pulse until crumbs form. One slice of bread yields 1/2 to 3/4 cup crumbs.
• Parmesan cheese: Adding Parmesan cheese to the meatballs boosts them with salty, nutty richness. Spring for the flakes or the grated stuff in the cheese section, rather than the powdery shelf-stable Parmesan.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor to the mix. It seasons the meatballs from the inside out. Pre-minced is fine, but you get more flavor when you mince garlic just before you use it.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano and rosemary gives the meatballs a classic Italian comfort-food flair. It’s easy to make Italian seasoning from scratch and keep it on hand for all your favorite Italian dinner recipes.
• Salt: Salt enhances everything and brings out the savory notes in both the meat and the cheese. It also balances the tanginess of the marinara.
• Marinara sauce: To keep this recipe effortless, use the best jarred marinara sauce for the meatballs.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella gives you that signature melty, stretchy cheese pull. The cheese melts into the marinara for a bubbly, irresistible top layer.
• Minced fresh parsley: Sprinkled on at the end, parsley adds color and freshness. It brightens up the richness of the meat and cheese.
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese: More Parm adds a final savory punch. It ties the whole dish together and makes your kitchen smell like an Italian restaurant.

Taste of Home

#Cooking, #MealPlanning, #Recipes,

simplegoodfood

@simplegoodfood

Follow

Just a Pennsylvania Dutch girl raised on simple good food that fills you up. Fussy recipes that leave you still hungry need not apply!

68 posts

2 followers