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Hearty and Flavorful: Italian Meatball Bake Delight
My Italian meatball bake recipe is one of the most delicious meatball recipes you’ve ever cooked!
➡️ A meatball bake is a dish of pasta, baked with a kind of sauce, usually tomato-based, and topped with melted cheese, bread crumbs, or both. Pasta bake recipes vary depending on the pasta type used, the sauce, and other ingredients such as smoked bacon, smoked sausages, sauteed mushrooms, fried onions, or meatballs.
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How to Make a Meatball Bake from Scratch
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Gourmet Italian Meatball Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 piece egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- some salt
- some ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread out 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce.
- Place the cooked meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the meatball bake hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef with good fat content. This will help the meatballs stay moist and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough. Just mix everything together until it is well combined.
- If you find that the meatballs are falling apart while you are trying to shape them, try chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for a few minutes before rolling them into balls. This will help the mixture firm up and be easier to work with.
Cooking an Italian Meatball Bake at Home is a Breeze!
➡️ Meatball bakes are so popular today because of their versatility and ease of cooking. Even a beginner home chef can cook any meatball pasta bake without difficulties. Not to mention that these pasta casserole recipes are just perfect when you come home and want to cook a weeknight dinner for your family or yourself but you are too tired or don’t have the money to have dinner out.
➡️ Enjoy cooking meatball bake recipes from scratch at home! If you need additional info, read more about meatballs! I also recommend you to try more tasty Italian meatball recipes published on this website such as Italian ground beef meatballs.
FAQs about Cooking an Italian Meatball Bake
What is an Italian Meatball Bake?
An Italian Meatball Bake is a delicious dish that typically consists of seasoned meatballs cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for pasta lovers and fans of Italian cuisine.
How do I make Italian meatballs for the bake?
To make Italian meatballs for the bake, you’ll need ground meat (typically a combination of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onions, eggs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix all the ingredients together, shape the mixture into meatballs, and then bake or cook them before adding them to the tomato sauce.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
The choice of cheese for the topping can vary depending on personal preference. However, mozzarella cheese is commonly used for Italian Meatball Bakes as it melts well and adds a gooey, delicious layer to the dish. You can also combine mozzarella with other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for added flavor.
Can I use store-bought meatballs for the bake?
Yes, you can certainly use store-bought meatballs for convenience. Just make sure to choose meatballs that are of good quality and complement the flavors of the dish. Alternatively, if you prefer homemade meatballs, you can make a batch in advance and freeze them for later use.
What can I serve with an Italian Meatball Bake?
An Italian Meatball Bake is often served with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, to create a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to complement the flavors. Additionally, adding some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs as garnish can enhance the dish even further.
Can I make the Italian Meatball Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Italian Meatball Bake ahead of time to save time on the day of serving. You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and follow the recipe’s instructions for cooking time and temperature.
Can I freeze leftovers of the Italian Meatball Bake?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and label them with the date. The frozen leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Are there any variations to the Italian Meatball Bake
Yes, there are various ways to customize an Italian Meatball Bake. You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as using a combination of beef, pork, and veal. Additionally, you can add extra ingredients like diced bell peppers, onions, or herbs to the meatball mixture for added flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative and make the dish your own!
Related Homemade Meatball Recipes and Culinary Articles
Italian Ground Beef Meatballs Turn To A Super Delicious Casserole Easily
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