Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the baking dish.
4. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are all covered.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 1070mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the marinara sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to fully coat the meatballs with the marinara sauce to prevent them from drying out.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil halfway through baking.
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Cheesy Meatball Bake in the baking dish for a rustic look, or transfer to a serving platter for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the meatballs are not cooked through after baking, return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Food history:
Meatballs have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The Italian version, known as polpette, is often served with marinara sauce and pasta.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Cheesy Meatball Bake as a main dish for dinner.
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