Ultimate Baked Cheesy Meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for mixing)

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ small onion, finely grated or chopped

¼ cup chopped parsley

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling before baking)

For the Sauce & Topping:

2 cups marinara or tomato sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, and seasonings.

Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella into the mixture and fold gently.

Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each).

Place meatballs on the tray and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Pour marinara sauce into a baking dish and place meatballs over it.

Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Return to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheesy.

Garnish and serve hot.