Meatballs Parmesan

Meatballs Parmesan Recipe

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 3 slices white bread, crusts removed, diced

• 1/4 cup cold milk (or water, plus more if needed)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)

• 1 lb ground pork (80/20 recommended for tenderness and flavor)

• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)

• 1 large egg

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Sauce and Assembly:

• 3 cups marinara sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz)

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl (for meatballs)

• Small bowl (for soaking bread)

• Fork (for mashing bread)

• Large skillet (for browning meatballs)

• 9x13 inch baking dish (or similar oven-safe dish)

• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a small bowl, add the diced bread and pour the cold milk (or water) over it. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then use a fork to mash the bread into a paste.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bread, ground beef, ground pork, half (1/4 cup) of the grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

• Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. The mixture will be moist. If it seems too dry, add a splash more milk.

• Portion the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Wet your hands to prevent sticking while rolling.

2. Brown the Meatballs (optional but recommended for flavor):

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the meatballs in batches (don't overcrowd the pan) and cook, turning every 2 minutes, until browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes total). They don't need to be fully cooked through at this point.

• Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

3. Assemble and Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Pour about 1 cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.

• Arrange the meatballs over the sauce in a single layer.

• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.

• Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

4. Bake the Meatballs Parmesan:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the sauce is heated through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C.

5. Serve:

• Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.

• Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.

• Serve hot on their own, alongside pasta, or in sandwiches.

Enjoy!