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4.7 from 30 votes

Meatball Parmesan

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By: Joanna Cismaru •2/11/23 37 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for meatball parmesan.

This baked Meatball Parmesan recipe features traditional meatballs smothered in a delicious marinara sauce and topped with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A classic and simple dish that is beautiful yet delicious.

freshly baked meatball parmesan in a black skillet.
Table of Contents Open
  • Easy Meatball Parmesan Recipe
  • Why You’ll Love Meatball Parmesan
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Meatballs
    • To Finish
  • How To Make Meatball Parmesan
    • Prep
    • Make The Meatballs
    • Cook The Meatballs
    • Cover With Sauce, Cheese And Bake
  • What Other Types of Meat Can I Use?
  • How To Serve Meatball Parmesan
  • Expert Tips
  • How To Store Leftover Meatballs
  • Craving More Meatballs? Try These Delicious Recipes
  • Meatball Parmesan
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Easy Meatball Parmesan Recipe

Meatballs are a staple at our house. I make them often and I make them many different ways. I decided to make these meatballs with ground pork, if you’ve never played around with pork meatballs I highly recommend them! As far as the recipe for this baked Meatball Parmesan, it’s pretty much my generic meatballs recipe I use all the time, a couple eggs, some breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, an onion and some herbs. So simple but packed full of so much flavor!

You can bake these meatballs as I’ve done many times before, but lately I’m obsessed with my air fryer and I air fried these. I find it much easier, quicker and so much easier to clean up.

This recipe makes a great main dish when paired with traditional mashed potatoes and green beans. But is also a fantastic party appetizer or filling for a simple meatball sub!

meatball parmesan on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love Meatball Parmesan

  • Healthy And Easy! This is a super easy weeknight meal. These homemade meatballs are made using basic pantry ingredients that you can find in any market and baked or air fried making them a bit healthier too.
  • Classic Italian Taste! With a pork base, lots of herbs, and topped with both mozzarella and Parmesan this recipe is incredibly tasty and full of classic Italian flavors.
  • Versatile Dish! Meatball Parmesan is fantastic served with a plate of homemade pasta or with some roasted potatoes. But you can also put them between a fresh roll to make a meatball sub or serve them as an appetizer. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients needed to make meatball parmesan.

Meatballs

  • Pork – We’re using ground pork today but you can use ground beef or even a mixture of both ground pork and beef.
  • Onion – One medium sized onion chopped up, look for something that cooks down well like a white or yellow onion. It’s easier if you use a box grater, rather than chopping it up with a knife.
  • Eggs – The binder to our Meatball Parmesan!
  • Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs soak up some of the liquid in our meatballs so that they stay more moist, it prevents a tough finished dish. I love using Panko breadcrumbs but Italian breadcrumbs will also be great.
  • Herbs and Seasoning – Oregano, basil, salt and pepper is all we’re going to be using today. I’ve made these with both fresh herbs and dried herbs, but use whatever you have on hand.

To Finish

  • Cheese – Mozzarella and Parmesan are what we’re using today for sharp flavor and ooey gooey cheese stretch, hence why it’s called Meatball Parmesan!
  • Marinara sauce – Store bought works perfectly fine and is what I used today but if you’d like to make your own, try this recipe from my other blog.

How To Make Meatball Parmesan

Making homemade meatballs are really easy to make! You can bake them, or air fry them! And once they are cooked, this recipe only requires one extra step to turn ordinary meatballs into a delicious meatball Parmesan.

Prep

If baking, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Then spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to keep the meatballs from sticking. You can also grease the pan with vegetable oil if you prefer.  

Make The Meatballs

process shots showing how to make meatball parmesan.

The best meatball making tool is your hands! To begin, add the ground pork, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Then use your hands to incorporate all the ingredients together until they are well combined.

process shots showing how to make meatball parmesan.

Now, use the meat mixture to form 24 meatballs that are all about the same size and place them on the prepared baking sheet, if baking them, otherwise place them in the basket of your air fryer. Note, it’s important that all the meatballs be close to the same size so that they cook evenly. You can do this by using a small cookie scoop.

Cook The Meatballs

Now that the meatballs are formed, it’s time to cook them. If baking them transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake them for 30 minutes or until cooked through. When they are done they will be firm to the touch and the juice will run clear when you poke them with a knife. But if you really want to be sure they are done to your liking you can just cut one in half.

process shots showing how to make meatball parmesan.

If you’re air frying them, then simply cook them for about 15 minutes at 380°F (193°C), shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they brown all around.

Cover With Sauce, Cheese And Bake

process shots showing how to make meatball parmesan.

To marry the meatballs and sauce together, pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of an ovenproof skillet. Then place the meatballs in the skillet in a single layer and top each one with some of the remaining marinara sauce.

process shots showing how to make meatball parmesan.

Next, sprinkle each meatball with some of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Then place the skillet into the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes for the cheese to melt and until it’s nice and bubbly. Finally, garnish with some fresh basil if you like and serve. 

What Other Types of Meat Can I Use?

I love using pork in my meatballs because they always turn out so juicy from the higher fat content. However, you can use any type of ground meat that you like! Keep in mind that meat with a lower fat content like turkey, chicken, or lean ground beef will yield dryer meatballs. You can mix a lean type of meat with something fattier like lamb, regular ground beef, or pork.

How To Serve Meatball Parmesan

This Meatball Parmesan can be served in a variety of ways on a variety of dishes, feel free to get creative with them!

  • Over pasta.
  • Spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes.
  • It pairs perfectly with my creamy polenta.
  • Stuffed into sandwiches, think meatball sub but better than you ever imagined it could be.
  • Transform these bad boys into little sliders, yum!
freshly baked meatball parmesan in a black skillet.

Expert Tips

  1. Meatballs are great baked or air fryed, because most of the fat from the meat is left in the pan and you end up with somewhat lean meatballs. You need to make sure you introduce a sauce at the end however to prevent them getting dry.
  2. Make sure you grate your cheese fresh, it makes a big difference. Also grate your onion instead of chopping it, so much easier!
  3. Fresh breadcrumbs over store bought will make a world of difference flavor and moisture wise!
  4. If you find your meatballs are a little tough, try subbing the breadcrumbs for cubed meat soaked in a little milk, it’s a traditionally Italian way to retain some moisture.

How To Store Leftover Meatballs

This Meatball Parmesan recipe will last 3 – 4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To freeze just place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze separately to begin with. Transfer them to a freezer bag or otherwise airtight container and place back in the cold and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

meatball parmesan on a white plate.

Craving More Meatballs? Try These Delicious Recipes

  • Porcupine Meatballs
  • Salisbury Steak Meatballs
  • Swedish Meatballs
  • Philly Cheese Steak Meatballs
  • Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
  • Cranberry Meatballs
  • Greek Meatballs
  • Meatball Sliders

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

freshly baked meatball parmesan in a black skillet.
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4.74 from 30 votes

Meatball Parmesan

Prep 20 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 35 minutes
Rate Recipe
This baked Meatball Parmesan recipe features traditional meatballs smothered in a delicious marinara sauce and topped with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A classic and simple dish that is beautiful yet delicious.
8

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds ground pork
  • 1 medium onion (chopped or shredded with a box grater)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl add the ground pork, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, oregano, basil and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together and form into 24 equal size meatballs. Place meatballs in your air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Pour half of the marinara sauce onto the bottom of a skillet. Arrange the meatballs in the skillet, they and top each meatball with some of the remaining marinara sauce.
  • Sprinkle meatballs with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and place in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and is bubbly. Garnish with some extra basil if preferred.

Equipment

  • COSORI Air Fryer 5.8 Quart

Video

Notes

  1. This recipe yields 24 meatballs, nutritional information is for 4 meatballs.
  2. Can I use any other type of meat: Any ground meat would work. Ground beef would work great as well. You can also combine meats like ground pork and ground beef together.
  3. Can I fry these: Yes! Heat about a tbsp of oil in a skillet then add the meatballs and fry until golden all around, should take about 7 to 10 minutes.
  4. Leftovers: This Meatball Parmesan recipe will last 3 – 4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To freeze just place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze separately to begin with. Transfer them to a freezer bag or otherwise airtight container and place back in the cold and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 366kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)Protein: 24g (48%)Fat: 25g (38%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 126mg (42%)Sodium: 733mg (32%)Potassium: 506mg (14%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 530IU (11%)Vitamin C: 6mg (7%)Calcium: 197mg (20%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

freshly baked meatball parmesan in a black skillet.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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37 Comments
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Janet levy
Janet levy
Posted: 4 months ago

I browned the meatballs in a frying pan for 5-10 minutes then baked them at 350 F. for 20 minutes. Also, I used Chef John’s marinara recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/235565/chef-johns-tomato-sauce/

0
Reply
Tracy Hoggard
Tracy Hoggard
Posted: 1 year ago

That’s so delicious! I would like to try at home and I hope all of my family members will enjoy this. Thanks for sharing anther recipe idea!

0
Reply
Kathy
Kathy
Posted: 3 years ago

Is that a mistake 40 minutes??

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team 2
Jo Cooks Team 2
Reply to  Kathy
Posted: 3 years ago

Nope!

0
Reply
doe
doe
Posted: 3 years ago

I like this recipe

0
Reply
Steffy
Steffy
Posted: 3 years ago

One meatball is 111 cals? Maybe a big one?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Steffy
Posted: 3 years ago

It includes sauce and cheese.

0
Reply
Michelle
Michelle
Posted: 3 years ago

5 stars
All of your recipes are so wonderful! I make so many of them that my youngest son has started asking “is this Jo’s recipe?” I just wanted to comment that you are certainly appreciated by my whole family!!! Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes!!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Michelle
Posted: 3 years ago

Ah, thanks Michelle! You’ve made my day!

0
Reply
google street view
google street view
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
If using frozen meatballs, should I cook those first? Then put everything back in the oven so that the cheese melts and the marinara sauce is hot? Thanks in advance.

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  google street view
Posted: 4 years ago

Yes! That’s exactly what I would do.

0
Reply
Alain
Alain
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
I did this recipes for my family tonight and it was a huge success.

0
Reply
Claire
Claire
Posted: 5 years ago

5 stars
HI! I love your recipes and made your chicken shawarma this weekend. SO good! Could you freeze these meatballs and thaw before adding marinara and cheese?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Claire
Posted: 5 years ago

Yes, absolutely. Just place them in an airtight container and freeze them.

0
Reply
dioleida
dioleida
Posted: 5 years ago

5 stars
se ven espectaculares deliciosas …voy a probarlas …gracias …¡¡¡ feliz dia

0
Reply
sunshine
sunshine
Posted: 5 years ago

4 stars
Did you ever post the cake you talked about? If so link or name?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  sunshine
Posted: 5 years ago

Oh dear God, I just went back and read the post and I have no idea what cake I was talking about, but please free to look through my recipes for cakes I have loads of them!

0
Reply
Stacey
Stacey
Posted: 5 years ago

5 stars
I made the meatball parmesan using 1 lb gr pork and 1 lb italian sausage all else the same as your recipe. When it was done made a big loaf of french garlic bread and made meatball subs with it. Delish!!!!

0
Reply
Fenne Kieken
Fenne Kieken
Reply to  Stacey
Posted: 5 years ago

That does sound delish!

0
Reply
Jessica
Jessica
Posted: 6 years ago

5 stars
Very easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing ;-).
God bless.

0
Reply
Stephanie
Stephanie
Posted: 7 years ago

5 stars
Hey sounds great can’t wait to try. Have u ever put the meatballs in a crock pot instead of on the stove top when u do the sauce. And do u think tomato sauce would b ok instead of marinara?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Stephanie
Posted: 7 years ago

Not these meatballs, but I have made meatballs in crockpot before, look under crockpot recipes and you’ll find instructions on how to do them. You could use tomato sauce, but you’ll be lacking in flavor so I would add some onion, garlic, maybe some oregano for some flavor. 🙂

0
Reply
Stephanie
Stephanie
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 7 years ago

Ok. Thank you. God bless!

0
Reply
Lmiddle
Lmiddle
Posted: 7 years ago

Can frozen meatballs be used instead?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Lmiddle
Posted: 7 years ago

I haven’t tried this with frozen meatballs, but I don’t see why not, it’ll save you some time.

0
Reply

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