Cheesy Baked Meatballs A Comforting Delight

Cheesy Baked Meatballs: A Comforting Delight

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Baked Meatballs! Juicy, flavorful meatballs filled with gooey cheese and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as an appetizer for gatherings. Serve them with marinara sauce and pasta, or on their own for a delightful treat. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these meatballs will become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

  • For the Meatballs:
    • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
    • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • For the Cheese Filling:
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • Optional: additional cheese for topping (e.g., Parmesan or more mozzarella)
  • For the Marinara Sauce:
    • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
    • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about 1.5 tablespoons) and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place about a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top of each meatball.
  5. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 70°C).
  6. Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
  7. Serve: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with warm marinara sauce, over pasta, or as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
  8. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the cheesy goodness of these baked meatballs!

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