Juicy Italian Meatballs Parmesan
Recipe Overview
Overview
These Juicy Italian Meatballs Parmesan are a delightful twist on a classic dish. The recipe begins with a unique technique of soaking fresh bread in milk, which ensures the meatballs remain tender and juicy. Combining ground pork and lean beef adds a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan and minced garlic elevates the taste, making these meatballs a standout at any dinner table.
The cooking process is straightforward yet rewarding. After mixing the ingredients by hand, the meatballs are seared in a skillet to achieve a beautiful brown crust. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to lock in the juices. Once seared, they are layered in a casserole dish with marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese before being baked until bubbly and golden.
Serving these meatballs over pasta, rice, or even in a sub roll makes for a versatile meal that can cater to various preferences. The gooey cheese and rich sauce make every bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing smiles to the dinner table with its hearty flavors and cheesy goodness.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Remove crust from organic white sliced bread and dice it into small pieces.
Tip: Use fresh bread for the juiciest meatballs.
Pour milk over the breadcrumbs and stir with a fork, then let it rest for 5 minutes.
Mash the soaked breadcrumbs together with a fork.
Add 1 pound of ground pork and 1 pound of lean ground beef to the mixture.
Crack in one large egg and add 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Mince three garlic cloves and chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, then add to the mixture.
Tip: Mince garlic for easier incorporation into the meat mixture.
Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Mix all ingredients together using your hands until well combined.
Tip: Using your hands to mix ensures everything is well combined without over mixing.
Use a trigger release cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture.
Wet your hands with water and roll the meat mixture into meatballs.
Tip: Wet your hands with water to prevent the meat from sticking while rolling meatballs.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and generously coat the bottom with oil.
Add meatballs to the skillet in a single layer and cook in batches, turning every 2 minutes.
Tip: Using a splatter guard keeps your stove clean while cooking meatballs.
Tip: You don't need to fully cook the meatballs on the stove as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the bottom of a casserole dish.
Add the first layer of seared meatballs to the casserole dish.
Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Tip: Cover the meatballs with marinara sauce to enhance flavor.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
Tip: Ensure the center of the meatball reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Serve the meatballs over pasta, potatoes, or in a sub roll.
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish.
Tip: Add more sauce when serving to enhance the dish.
Tip: These meatballs reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using fresh bread soaked in milk is the secret to making juicy meatballs.
- •Searing meatballs before baking helps seal in their natural juices.
- •Baking meatballs in marinara sauce infuses them with flavor and tenderness.
- •Rolling meatballs with wet hands creates a smooth surface for a professional look.
