Cheesy Oven-Baked Meatballs

There are things to be said for light and healthy dinners like a crisp salad or a brothy soup. Sometimes, those are great options. But sometimes, you just need a rich and indulgent plate of comfort. That’s where these meatballs come in. They’re cheesy and creamy but layered with the nuanced flavor of herbs and garlic. It’s stick to your ribs kind of food, but the kind that won’t leave you regretting that second helping.

You see, while all of the flavors are there, the final result is not overly rich or heavy. The sauce is made largely of chicken stock, which keeps the creaminess from being overpowering. It looks like a whole lot of beef and cheese, but really the meatballs are rather fluffy and light and the sauce is just creamy enough.

These meatballs are made with some breadcrumbs soaked in milk, which keeps them from being too dense. They’re baked in the oven for a bit while you make the sauce and this helps them cook through before they have the chance to get bogged down and soggy in the sauce. The sauce is an easy thing to whip up (and you can use it on so many other things. Chicken! Baked pasta! Even squash!) and you can always kick it up with some chili flake or herbs if you’re feeling so inclined.

It starts with a roux (butter and flour) and then the chicken broth is whisked in. A smashed garlic clove is added in the beginning steps, and its flavor permeates the sauce as it simmers. You’ll fish out that clove before you pour the sauce over the meatballs; it’s already done its job and you don’t want large chunks of garlic surrounding those tender meatballs.

A final flourish of creamy mozzarella tops the entire dish and becomes browned and wonderfully melty as it spends its time in the oven. It’s comfort food at its finest, folks, and you’ve got to give it a try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but not overly heavy. The flavors are well-balanced, and the cheesy topping makes it a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Small bowl
• Large bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the milk and breadcrumbs and set aside. The breadcrumbs will absorb the milk and become soggy.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Add the meat to the egg mixture and use your hands to thoroughly mix the egg into the meat.
4. Add the onions, garlic, and soaked breadcrumbs to the meat and mix them together thoroughly with your hands.
5. Form meat into 1-inch balls and place them in the baking dish. Place in oven to cook for 10 minutes. Turn meatballs over and cook 10 minutes more.
6. While meatballs bake, make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Drop in garlic. When butter has melted, whisk in flour and cook for one minute.
7. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil, let boil 2-3 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in cream, parmesan, and season further if needed. Let cook 2-3 more minutes. Scoop out smashed garlic and pour sauce over meatballs in baking dish. (Drain fat from baking dish first if necessary.)
9. Top meatballs with mozzarella cheese and return to oven until golden brown and bubbling, 10-15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
• Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce.
• Let the sauce thicken a bit before adding the cream for a richer texture.

Additional Tips and Variations

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick or swap the beef for turkey for a leaner option. You can also add some chopped spinach into the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 420 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 30g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Just let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

What can I serve these with?

These meatballs are great with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple side salad.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a comforting meal that isn’t too heavy but full of flavor, these Cheesy Oven-Baked Meatballs are just what you need. Give them a try and let us know how they turn out for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any delicious variations you come up with!