There’s something magical about one-pan meals, isn’t there? I mean, who wouldn’t love a hearty, delicious feast without the endless pile of dishes afterward? My One-Pan Meatballs recipe is a favorite in my house, especially during family gatherings or cozy dinner parties with friends. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious! The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, soaking up that rich marinara sauce while the cheese melts into gooey perfection—talk about a flavor explosion! Trust me, when you pull this dish out of the oven, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table in no time. So, if you’re looking for a stress-free dinner that’s sure to impress, you’ve got to try these meatballs! They’re a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these mouthwatering One-Pan Meatballs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to use your favorite blend.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These add structure and help bind the meatballs together. Use plain or seasoned, depending on your preference!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This brings a lovely nuttiness to the party—don’t skip it!
- 1 egg: This will help hold everything together, so make sure it’s fresh!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. You can adjust this based on your garlic love!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A must for that classic Italian flavor. Feel free to adjust or add other herbs you love!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch for a little kick!
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Go for your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This is what makes the meatballs ooey-gooey and irresistible!
How to Prepare One-Pan Meatballs
Let’s get cooking! Making these One-Pan Meatballs is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step of the way. Here’s how to whip them up perfectly:
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the meatballs cook evenly and develop that lovely golden crust. So don’t skip this step!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands for this—there’s something satisfying about mixing everything together. Just make sure everything is well combined, but don’t overmix, or your meatballs might end up tough!
Form the Meatballs
Now it’s time to shape those meatballs! Grab a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. I usually make them a bit bigger than a golf ball, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. Just try to keep them consistent in size so they cook evenly!
Cook the Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
In a large oven-safe pan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until it’s warm and bubbly. Then gently add the meatballs to the sauce, making sure they’re submerged. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes—this gives them a chance to absorb all that amazing flavor before baking!
Bake the Meatballs
Once the meatballs have simmered, it’s time to bake! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and then carefully transfer the pan to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. To check if they’re done, I like to cut one open to make sure it’s no longer pink in the center. You’re going to love the smell wafting through your kitchen!
Tips for Success
Want to take your One-Pan Meatballs to the next level? Here are some of my top tips! First off, don’t be afraid to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. It works beautifully! Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped herbs like parsley or basil right into the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Another great tip is to let your meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle. And trust me, if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they make for an incredible sandwich the next day! Just pop them in a hoagie roll with some extra marinara and cheese—yum!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided is an estimate and not a precise calculation. For the most accurate nutritional information, I recommend checking the labels on your ingredients. But hey, it’s all about enjoying the food and sharing great moments around the table, right?
FAQ Section
Got questions about my One-Pan Meatballs? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats can cook a bit quicker!
How long do I need to cook the meatballs? After simmering in the marinara sauce for 10 minutes, bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. Always double-check that they’re no longer pink in the center!
What can I serve with these meatballs? They’re fantastic on their own, but I love serving them over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious marinara. You could even throw them in a sub roll for a tasty meatball sandwich!
Can I make these ahead of time? Definitely! You can prep the meatballs and sauce ahead, then just bake them when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
- Flavor Explosion: The meatballs soak up the marinara sauce, creating a deliciously rich flavor that everyone will rave about.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite herbs or use different meats to cater to your dietary preferences.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a hearty meal in about 40 minutes!
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that kids and adults alike will love—perfect for any dinner table!
One-Pan Meatballs: 5 Steps to Flavorful Family Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious one-pan meatball recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large oven-safe pan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs.
- Serve with pasta or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: One-Pan Meatballs, Meatballs, Italian Dish