My Meatball Parmigiana is a classic Italian American comfort dish featuring tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish delivers bold flavors with a hearty, cheesy finish. Serve it over pasta, in a sub roll, or enjoy it on its own with garlic bread for a truly satisfying experience!
Growing up, I was always around when the family would make homemade meatballs. I think my Nonna would be proud of my Meatballs Parmigiana Recipe. It is a simple dish; delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, and my whole family loves it!
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Meatball Parm Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make the Best Meatball Parm
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store our Meatball Parm Recipe
- What to Serve with Meatball Parm Recipe
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Meatball Parm
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Meatball Parmigiana Recipe
We make a lot of meatballs in this house. If you like meatball recipes, you must try some of others: Carnivore Meatballs, Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Slow Cooker), Cooked Perfect Italian Meatballs.
Why You Will Love This Meatball Parm Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: A warm, hearty meal with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a homemade touch.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy over pasta, as a meatball sub or wrap, or as a main dish with sides.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit for family dinners or gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat for an easy meal.
Ingredients
It is just a short trip to the grocery store for this easy recipe.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Medium Ground Beef: We prefer the extra flavor in medium but you can use whichever type of ground meat you desire. You may want to add a splash of milk if you use extra lean or lean.
- Large Eggs: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Creates additional moisture and extra flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a freshness to the meatballs.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Marinara Sauce: To cook the meatballs, it adds moisture and makes them tender. Use any sauce of your choosing.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Used to top the meatballs for an additional layer of flavor.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand large bowl, measuring cups and spoons, large skillet and a cheese grater.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some ways you can mix up this recipe to ensure the whole family will enjoy!
- Ground Meat Variations: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a different flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone or pecorino Romano instead of mozzarella and parmesan.
- Breadcrumb Alternative: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra texture or almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. Alternatively, you can try our carnivore meatball recipe.
- Herb Boost: Add dried oregano or basil for an extra layer of Italian seasoning.
How to Make the Best Meatball Parm
You will love how quickly this easy meal comes together.
In a large bowl add ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley and sea salt. Mix well.
With the meat mixture, make 12 round meatballs (about 3 tablespoons), and place into a greased skillet and brown lightly on all sides on medium heat.
Pour sauce all over the meatballs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook meatballs fully.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the meatballs and broil in the oven. One you have golden, melted cheese you are ready to enjoy.
Hint: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
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How to Store our Meatball Parm Recipe
This is a great recipe to use as a meal prep because it is so versatile. Here are some ways you can store these meatballs.
- Refrigerator: Once cooled, place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: If you have already topped with cheese, I would remove most of it, and place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag and they can last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw in the fridge and warm on the stove in more sauce, or microwave incrementally until warmed through.
- Make Ahead: You can mix your meatball mixture 2 days in advance and store in the fridge or freeze for 3 months. Whether you have balled them up yet or not, either way you can thaw and continue the cooking process when ready.
What to Serve with Meatball Parm Recipe
- Pasta: A classic pairing for a complete Italian meal, try spaghetti or rigatoni noodle.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the extra marinara sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, fresh salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Green Vegetables: The sweetness of the shallots in our sautéed green beans recipe, with the crispness of the beans provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the meatballs. Also, the sweet and savory notes of these Brussels sprouts can complement the savory taste of the meatball parm.
- Red Wine: A bold Italian red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhances the flavors.
- Italian Sub Rolls: Make a delicious meatball parmigiana sub sandwich.
- Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: For a creamy, comforting side dish. We have a great mashed potato recipe you will love with these.
- Cornbread: This sweet cornbread offers a comforting side that pairs well with the hearty meatballs.
Top Tips
We want you to have the easiest cooking experience possible, so here are some helpful tips to get you on the right track.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to create uniform meatballs.
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the meatballs in a skillet adds depth to the dish.
- Simmer Low & Slow: Cooking the meatballs gently in marinara sauce enhances their flavor.
- Broil for the Best Finish: Broiling the cheese until bubbly and golden creates the perfect topping.
- Using Pre-Cooked Meatballs: If you already have pre-cooked meatballs, you can use those and just cook until warmed through. Our Italian-style meatballs recipe is one you can start with to mix it up.
- Oven Method: You can place meatballs in a single layer of a baking dish or on a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cook at 350F for about 18 minutes or until 160F for beef and 165F for chicken or turkey meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Meatball Parm
Do you have questions about making the best meatball parm?
Absolutely. As much as we love homemade meatballs, sometimes we are short on time, and opt for the pre-made variety. The result is just as delicious, and comes together even faster for a quick meal.
Searing meatballs first locks in flavor and gives them a rich, caramelized crust. You can brown them in the skillet before adding them to the marinara sauce.
Absolutely! We love a homemade marinara as it gives the best flavor, but any high-quality store-bought sauce works well when you’re short on time. Look for one with simple, natural ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil.
Mozzarella is classic, but if you'd like to go the extra mile, try a mix of low-moisture mozzarella (for stretch), fresh mozzarella (for creaminess), and Parmesan (for sharpness). A sprinkle of pecorino romano adds a nice salty bite!
A cast iron skillet retains heat well and gives the meatballs a great texture while allowing the cheese to brown beautifully, but any casserole dish or oven-safe pan that you have on hand will work great.
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Meatball Parmigiana Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Large Skillet
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium ground beef
- 2 eggs, large
- ⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoon parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a large bowl add ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley and sea salt. Mix well.
- Place 12 round meatballs (about 3 tablespoons) into a lightly greased skillet and brown lightly on all sides on medium- medium-low heat.
- Pour sauce all over the meatballs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook meatballs fully.
- Add cheese on top and broil in the oven to melt the cheese.
Notes
- Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
- Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to create uniform meatballs.
- Browning the meatballs in a skillet adds depth to the dish.
- Cooking the meatballs gently in marinara sauce enhances their flavor.
- Broiling the cheese until bubbly and golden creates the perfect topping.
Nutrition
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Seija says
This recipe was delicious. It was so saucy and cheesy. I had it on its own, but can’t wait to try it again on a sandwich next time!
Eva Filer says
I am so happy you enjoyed it. It is a great meal both ways, I think you will be pleased when you try it as a sandwich. Thanks for the review.
kimberly Garrido says
This is the first time I hear about Meatball Parmigiana. I have to try it, it looks delicious!
Eva Filer says
Oh, I am so happy you found it! It is so simple, and has a lot of flavor!
Abi says
Thanks for sharing such a fantastic recipe, saving the recipe to make it later!
Eva Filer says
It is so yummy! Can't wait for you to try.
Eva Filer says
This recipe is SO good. There is so much you can serve with it, but it is fantastic on its own. So cheesy, and the meatballs are very juicy!