Go Back
Easy Cheesy Skillet Meatballs Recipe for a Cozy Family Dinner

Easy Cheesy Skillet Meatballs

Tender homemade beef meatballs simmer in marinara sauce before being covered with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. This one-skillet dinner is warm, saucy, and ready in about 40 to 50 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 pound (450 g) Lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Sauce and Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 24 ounces (about 680 g) Marinara sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons, optional Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Let the mixture stand for 2 to 3 minutes so the crumbs soften.
  2. Add the ground beef, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until the ingredients are combined, taking care not to compact the meat.
  3. Shape the mixture into approximately 16 to 20 meatballs, keeping them as evenly sized as possible so they cook at the same rate.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally; they do not need to be fully cooked yet.
  5. Pour in the marinara sauce, cover the skillet, and simmer over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Turn the meatballs once during cooking and continue until the beef reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan over the meatballs. Cover for 2 to 3 minutes until melted, or broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
  7. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley, if using. Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or polenta.

Notes

Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk keeps the meatballs tender. Brown the meatballs before simmering for deeper flavor, but do not overcrowd the skillet. Watch closely during broiling because the cheese can brown quickly.