Description
This Meatball Parmesan recipe is a perfect festive dish for Christmas dinner, combining juicy homemade meatballs with rich Italian flavors, smothered in savory pasta sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that blends ground beef and pork with aromatic herbs, cheeses, and seasonings, making it an impressive yet straightforward entree.
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 shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
Assembly & Sauce
- 1½ 24-oz jars pasta sauce
- 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing 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 well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Cook the Meatballs: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, warm 1½ jars of pasta sauce over medium heat. Stir in ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and the fresh chopped basil, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, pour a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly in the dish, then cover them with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired, then serve hot with pasta or a side salad for a complete Christmas dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian ground pork with all-beef if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the pasta sauce while simmering.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- For a lower fat version, opt for lean beef and reduce the amount of cheese used.
