Go Back
+ servings
Cheesy Garlicky Meatballs

Irresistibly Cheesy Garlicky Meatballs for Comfort Food Bliss

Enjoy these Cheesy Garlicky Meatballs, bursting with flavor and perfect for comfort food lovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Simmering Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with all pork if desired.
  • 1 lb Ground Pork Can be substituted with all beef.
  • 1 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs work well.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional substitution: Pecorino Romano.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Can be swapped with other melty cheeses.
  • 1 large Eggs
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Essential for flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Onion Can be omitted.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Substitute with dried parsley if necessary.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Other herbs like thyme can be used.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 cup Whole Milk Buttermilk can be used for richer flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
For the Marinara Sauce
  • 28 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used but require longer cooking.
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil Fresh basil can be used.
  • 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Reduce or omit if desired.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Adjust to taste for acidity.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil for Garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and whole milk. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 24 pieces. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Remove from skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add canned crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar to the sautéed garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Return browned meatballs to the sauce, cover, and let them simmer on low for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with pasta, bread, or creamy polenta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Expert tips include not overmixing the meat, browning the meatballs properly, and experimenting with herbs for unique flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!