Description
This Meatball Parmesan recipe is a hearty and festive dish perfect for Christmas dinner. Featuring a blend of lean ground beef and Italian pork, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, these meatballs are baked to perfection and smothered in rich pasta sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh basil, this classic Italian-American comfort food brings together robust flavors and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian ground pork
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Sauce and Topping
- 1½ 24-oz jars pasta sauce
- 1 – 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lightly beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly but gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure consistent cooking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Meatballs and Add Sauce: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the pasta sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are well covered.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Then sprinkle ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning evenly on top.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: After removing from the oven, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the top. Serve hot with your favorite pasta or crusty bread.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated to enhance flavor.
- You can substitute Italian ground pork with ground veal or substitute with all beef if preferred.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of meatballs for safety; ground pork and beef should reach 160°F.
- This dish pairs beautifully with spaghetti or any of your favorite pasta shapes.
- Leftover meatballs store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Meatball Parmesan, Christmas dinner, Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese