
This 30 Minute Baked Meatball Parmesan is perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner. This recipe is simple and easy, resulting in tender, flavorful meatballs baked in tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted provola cheese. The meatballs are baked rather than fried, making preparation quick and keeping the kitchen mess to a minimum.
To make the baked meatball Parmesan, all you have to do is combine the ground meat with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, an egg, salt, and pepper. The mixture is shaped into meatballs and baked for 10 minutes. Then, the meatballs are covered with tomato sauce and baked again before being topped with provola cheese and grilled until melted and golden.
What is Baked Meatball Parmesan?
Baked Meatball Parmesan is a simple Italian-inspired dish made with seasoned meatballs, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. The meatballs are first baked until lightly browned, then covered with tomato sauce and finished with provola cheese. The result is a hearty and comforting dish with tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and a deliciously cheesy topping.
Pro Tips
- Do not overmix the meat mixture as this can make the meatballs dense.
- Try to make the meatballs a similar size so that they cook evenly.
- Use enough Parmesan to give the meatballs plenty of savory flavor.
- Make sure the meatballs are covered well with tomato sauce during the second bake.
- Keep a close eye on the meatballs during the cooking process so that the provola cheese becomes golden without burning.
- You can use either ground beef or another ground meat of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes, while provola gives these meatballs a deliciously creamy and slightly smoky finish, you can substitute it with another good melting cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone.
Can I Use a Different Ground Meat?
Yes, you can use your favorite type of ground meat. Ground beef works particularly well, but ground pork, turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats can also be used.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake them. This can make dinner preparation even quicker on a busy day.
What to Serve With Baked Meatball Parmesan?
These meatballs are delicious served with crusty bread to soak up the tomato sauce. You can also serve them with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Baked Meatball Parmesan
Leftover meatballs can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat them, place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to help prevent the meatballs from drying out.
Ingredients
How to Make 30-Minute Bake Meatball Parmesan
Add the ground meat to a bowl along with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, one egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until all of the ingredients are well combined.
Add the ground meat to a bowl along with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, one egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until all of the ingredients are well combined.
Shape the mixture into meatballs and arrange them in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Bake them in a 360 F (180 C) oven for 10 minutes.
Shape the mixture into meatballs and arrange them in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Bake them in a 360 F (180 C) oven for 10 minutes.
Pour the tomato sauce over the baked meatballs, making sure they are well covered. Return them to the 360 F (180 C) oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
Pour the tomato sauce over the baked meatballs, making sure they are well covered. Return them to the 360 F (180 C) oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
Top the meatballs with provola cheese and basil, and bake them in a 360 F (180 C) oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Top the meatballs with provola cheese and basil, and bake them in a 360 F (180 C) oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!