If you’re craving a dish that combines warm, comforting flavors with rich, melty cheese and tender meatballs, then the Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet Recipe is here to become your new go-to comfort food. This recipe brings together seasoned ground beef and pork meatballs baked to perfection in a luscious tomato sauce, crowned with a bubbling blanket of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect way to impress family or friends with a hearty, homestyle meal that feels as cozy as a hug, yet elegant enough to share at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet Recipe truly shine. Each component plays an important role—from the fragrant herbs that infuse the sauce with depth, to the cheeses that create that irresistible golden crust. This dish’s magic lies in its simplicity and quality of ingredients.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a rich, juicy base for the meatballs with a hearty flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground pork: Adds tenderness and a bit of sweetness to balance the beef’s robustness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herbaceous notes to the meat mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage: Offers a subtle earthiness that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory complexity without overpowering the meat.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and a gentle hint of spice to the meatballs.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses punchy yet aromatic layers of flavor into meat and sauce.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together with just the right texture.
- 1/3 cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender and moist while adding texture.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Mixed into the meatballs for a savory, slightly nutty taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and elevates all the flavors naturally.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and build flavor in the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Offers sweetness and texture as the sauce base.
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves removed): Adds a bright, herbal kick to the sauce’s undertones.
- 8 leaves fresh basil, torn: Brings fresh, peppery notes that complement the tomato sauce beautifully.
- 1 (13.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices: Provides vibrant acidity and texture to the sauce.
- 1 (13.5 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, luscious base that coats the meatballs perfectly.
- A pinch of Italian seasoning: Enhances the sauce with a classic blend of herbs.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Imparts umami depth and slight tanginess to the sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Additional garlic to layer flavor in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Ensures the sauce’s taste is perfectly balanced.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the finished dish for creamy, gooey satisfaction.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for that golden, crispy cheese crust.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Grate the Cheese
Start by grating the parmesan cheese, dividing the total two cups into two equal parts, and grate the mozzarella cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts so much better, making the finishing layer on your meatballs perfectly luscious and gooey.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and position the rack in the top third to ensure even baking and browning. Line a baking sheet with tin foil to make cleanup quick and easy after baking your meatballs.
Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients: ground beef, pork, oregano, sage, onion powder, nutmeg, 5 cloves minced garlic, egg, Italian-style breadcrumbs, half the parmesan, plus salt and pepper. Gently mix by hand to just combine without overworking the meat, then shape into 2-inch meatballs (about 18). Lay them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until they start to brown and firm up.
Step 4: Make the Sauce in a Skillet
While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a deep, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, torn basil, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce, Then Bake
Remove the meatballs from the oven and nestle them evenly into the tomato sauce in the skillet. Place the skillet into your oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. This step finishes cooking the meatballs through while thickening the luscious sauce to coat each bite.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Pull the skillet out of the oven and generously sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top. Return it to the oven for 10 more minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt into a bubbly, golden crust. For an extra touch, you can switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a beautifully browned and slightly crispy cheese topping.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet straight from the oven with your favorite accompaniments. The combination of tender meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese is irresistible and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few cracked peppercorns can add a finishing touch that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic spaghetti for a hearty Italian-inspired meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that cheesy tomato sauce. A crisp green salad balances the richness, bringing a refreshing crunch that complements the skillet beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs and sauce in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personal portions. Alternatively, turn it into a meatball sub by piling the meatballs and melted cheese into toasted hoagie rolls. Either way, your Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet Recipe will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave off the cheese topping; add fresh cheese when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a microwave until heated through. To recreate that fresh-baked cheese experience, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use all beef instead of a beef and pork mix?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still give you delicious meatballs, though the pork adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that helps keep the meatballs tender. If you prefer all beef, consider adding a bit extra breadcrumb or an egg to maintain juiciness.
Is it necessary to bake the meatballs before adding them to the sauce?
Baking the meatballs first helps them hold their shape and partially cooks them, which prevents them from breaking apart in the sauce. It’s a step that makes the final dish polished and perfect, but you could brown them in a skillet as an alternative.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Swap the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth to enhance the sauce. Just adjust your cooking times according to the alternative protein’s instructions, and you’ll still get a satisfying and cheesy skillet meal.
What kind of cheese works best for this skillet?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices because mozzarella melts beautifully and parmesan brings a nutty, salty crunch. Feel free to experiment with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses, but make sure at least one cheese melts well to get that perfect topping.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This version is mild and comforting, focused on herb flavors and rich cheese. If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or include diced jalapeños with the onions to give the dish a lively kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet Recipe is a heartfelt hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve guests. With simple ingredients coming together in a flavorful sauce covered by melted cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and let those warm, cheesy meatballs bring a little joy to your table.
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Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender homemade meatballs baked to perfection, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This comforting skillet meal combines Italian herbs and spices with a cheesy finish, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
- 8 leaves fresh basil, torn
- 1 (13.5 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (13.5 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce
- Pinch of Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Grate the Cheeses: Grate the parmesan cheese until you have two cups, then divide it in half. Grate the mozzarella cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Make and Bake Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, oregano, sage, onion powder, nutmeg, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, one cup of parmesan, and salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands and form into approximately 2-inch meatballs, about 18 total. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a deep, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in thyme leaves, torn basil, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Meatballs with Sauce and Continue Baking: Remove meatballs from the oven and add them evenly to the skillet with the sauce. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes to cook the meatballs through and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking: Take the skillet out of the oven; sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts. For a golden-brown crust, you may broil for a few minutes at the end.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy baked meatballs hot with your choice of pasta, crusty bread, salad, or enjoy them on their own.
Notes
- Use lean meats to keep the meatballs juicy but not greasy.
- You can substitute Italian breadcrumbs with plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning.
- Ensure the skillet is oven-proof to safely transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a nicely browned cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
