Cheesy Baked Meatballs: Never Dry!

Jump to Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good meatball? They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a cozy weekend meal. But let’s be honest, sometimes meatballs can be a little… disappointing. Dry, bland, and lacking that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. But fear not! This cheesy baked meatballs recipe is here to change everything. Say goodbye to dry meatballs forever!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Meatballs Recipe

These aren’t just any meatballs. They’re:

Incredibly Juicy: Thanks to our secret steaming method, these meatballs are guaranteed to be moist and tender.
Packed with Flavor: We’re using a combination of herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese to create a truly delicious meatball.
Cheesy Goodness: A generous topping of mozzarella cheese takes these meatballs to the next level of deliciousness.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of these cheesy baked meatballs ready to enjoy.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Meatballs

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the ingredients that make these cheesy baked meatballs so special. The key is a balance of flavors and textures, from the savory meat to the tangy sauce and the creamy, melted cheese. We’re building a symphony of deliciousness in every bite!

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef: Opt for a ground beef with a little bit of fat (around 80/20) for the best flavor and moisture. Lean ground beef can work, but the meatballs might be slightly less juicy.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together and adding a touch of softness. I recommend using plain breadcrumbs for this recipe, as seasoned breadcrumbs can sometimes overpower the other flavors.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory depth to the meatballs. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best!
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brings a bright, herbaceous note to the meatballs, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese.
1 large egg: The egg acts as another binder, helping to hold the meatballs together.
1/4 cup milk: Milk adds moisture to the meatballs, keeping them tender and juicy.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a consistent garlic flavor throughout the meatballs.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors in the meatballs.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spice and warmth to the meatballs.

For the Sauce and Topping:

2 cups marinara sauce: Choose your favorite marinara sauce for this recipe. Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s one you enjoy! The sauce will be infused with the meatball flavor as it cooks.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream adds a touch of richness and creaminess to the sauce, creating a luxurious coating for the meatballs.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: What’s a cheesy meatball without mozzarella? This adds that gooey, melty topping we all love. Low-moisture mozzarella melts best.

Crafting Your Cheesy Baked Meatballs: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t be intimidated – making these cheesy baked meatballs is easier than you might think. The key to juicy meatballs is a simple steaming technique that locks in all the deliciousness. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a batch of perfectly cooked meatballs in no time!

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Getting the oven ready is the first step to any great baking recipe!
Combine the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Gently place the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into a bowl.
Gently mix all ingredients together with your hands until just combined. This is crucial! Overmixing the meatball mixture will result in tough meatballs. Use your hands to gently bring everything together until it’s evenly distributed. It’s better to be slightly under-mixed than over-mixed.
Roll the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch meatballs. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the meatball mixture, then gently roll each portion into a round shape. Aim for a consistent size so they cook evenly.
Place the meatballs in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them. Choose a baking dish that’s large enough to hold all the meatballs in a single layer. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all at least partially submerged.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is the secret to juicy meatballs! The foil creates a steaming environment, which helps to keep the meatballs incredibly moist while they bake. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed around the edges of the dish.
Bake for 25 minutes covered. This allows the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the marinara sauce.
Remove foil, pour heavy cream over meatballs, and top with mozzarella cheese. Carefully remove the foil (be careful of the steam!). Drizzle the heavy cream evenly over the meatballs, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatballs must reach 160F (71C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked. The cheese should be golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Allowing the meatballs to cool slightly will help them to retain their shape and prevent them from falling apart. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Meatballs Every Time

Want to ensure your cheesy baked meatballs are a smashing success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Don’t overmix! We can’t stress this enough. Overmixing leads to tough meatballs.
Use a light hand when rolling. Gently roll the meatballs to avoid compacting the mixture too much.
Make sure the foil is tightly sealed. The steaming process is key to keeping the meatballs moist.
Check the internal temperature. A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to ensuring the meatballs are cooked through.
Get creative with the cheese. While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Gruyere.

What to Serve With Cheesy Baked Meatballs

These cheesy baked meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

Over pasta: Serve them over spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta with extra marinara sauce for a classic and comforting meal. For an extra touch, consider making our creamy dreamy spaghetti with velvet cloud sauce for a truly decadent experience.
In a sandwich: Stuff them into a crusty roll with melted cheese for a delicious meatball sub.
As an appetizer: Serve them on their own with toothpicks for a party-friendly appetizer.
With mashed potatoes: For a different spin on comfort food, try serving with creamy herb mashed potatoes.

Your Cheesy Baked Meatballs Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. However, keep in mind that turkey and chicken are leaner meats, so the meatballs may be slightly drier. To compensate, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meatball mixture.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! Cheesy baked meatballs freeze beautifully. To freeze, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the meatballs and follow the recipe instructions. You can also bake the meatballs ahead of time, then reheat them when ready to serve. Be sure to store them covered in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk. However, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You can also try adding a tablespoon of butter to the sauce for extra richness.

Enjoy Your Homemade Cheesy Baked Meatballs!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for cheesy baked meatballs that are guaranteed to be juicy, flavorful, and delicious every time! With the simple steaming technique and the perfect blend of ingredients, you’ll never have to suffer through dry, bland meatballs again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal. Let us know in the comments how yours turn out! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!