Indulge in a mouthwatering French-inspired dish with this Meatballs and Cheese Bake. This recipe combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a golden-baked finish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers a hearty and satisfying experience. With a blend of herbs and a touch of garlic, every bite is infused with deep, comforting flavors. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or another melty cheese)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing baking dish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish baking in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors from the meat.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce at the bottom, then arrange the browned meatballs on top. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Gruyère cheese over the meatballs, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot with fresh bread, pasta, or a light salad.