Description
A comforting dish that balances rich, savory flavors with a tender texture, featuring browned meatballs simmered in robust tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Combine milk and panko in a bowl; let sit 5 minutes. Add beef, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix gently and chill 15 minutes.
- Roll mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Pour marinara sauce over meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Transfer to oven or broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.