Baked Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Cheese Recipe

Introduction:

This baked meatball dish combines juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

It’s a simple recipe that brings together the heartiness of meatballs with the classic flavors of Italian cooking.

Ingredients:

Ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)

Breadcrumbs

Milk

Egg

Worcestershire sauce

Onion, finely minced

Garlic, minced

Fresh parsley, chopped

Dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Mozzarella cheese, grated

Parmesan cheese, grated

Tomato passata or crushed tomatoes

Olive oil

Optional: red chili flakes, sugar, fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prep the Meatballs:

In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with milk and let sit until absorbed. Combine this mixture with ground meat, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Form and Bake Meatballs:

Shape the mixture into balls and arrange on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven until they start to brown.

Make the Sauce:

In a pan, sauté additional onion and garlic in olive oil. Add tomato passata, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and optional chili flakes and sugar. Let simmer to blend the flavors.

Combine and Bake:

Place browned meatballs into the sauce, sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving:

Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve hot, perhaps over pasta or with a side of bread.

Conclusion:

These baked meatballs are a delightful treat, marrying the robust flavors of tomato and herbs with the richness of the meat and cheese.

Perfect for a family dinner, they’re both satisfying and flavorful, making them a sure hit for any gathering.

For more detailed instructions and variations on the recipe, you might want to check out sources like Steam & Bake, 12 Tomatoes, and Cafe Delites for additional tips and serving suggestions(