Description
These flavorful meatballs are packed with a blend of ground beef, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, simmered in a savory marinara sauce. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course, this easy recipe combines classic Italian flavors with simple ingredients for a comforting dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, egg, salt, black pepper, chili flakes (if using), chopped parsley, minced garlic, and thyme. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Add Marinara Sauce and Simmer: Once the meatballs are browned, pour the marinara sauce over them in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese inside to melt.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve warm, ideally with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad.
Notes
- You can customize the heat by adding or omitting the chili flakes according to your taste.
- For a juicier meatball, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted if necessary (use half the amount).
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: meatballs, cheese meatballs, marinara sauce, Italian recipe, ground beef, easy dinner