Baked Meatballs Parmesan
Baked Meatballs Parmesan are a lighter, mess-free take on classic comfort food. Juicy oven-baked meatballs are topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese—no frying required. This easy baked meatballs parmesan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, pasta night, meatball subs, or meal prep, delivering cozy Italian flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
- Seasonings & Flavor Base
- 1½ cups marinara sauce jarred or homemade
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- Pantry Staples
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray for greasing
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Roll mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1½ inches) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Remove meatballs from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each one.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return to oven and bake 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil 1–2 minutes if desired for lightly browned cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- Mixing gently keeps meatballs tender and juicy.
- Adding sauce only after baking allows the meatballs to brown properly.
- These meatballs freeze exceptionally well for future meals.