Juicy, flavorful, and smothered in gooey cheese and marinara sauce, these meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. This recipe is great for keto lovers who need to boost their protein intake.

I love Italian food. Whenever I am craving comfort food, there is something special about Italian recipes.

Meatballs are a great protein option for busy families, home cooks, or if you are looking to do some meal prep. This recipe combines tender, seasoned meatballs with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese.

Each bite just hits all the right notes to make you feel at home.

Besides offering comfort, this recipe is quick and easy to make. It only takes a couple of minutes to prepare, and then you let the oven do the rest.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Ground beef (1 lb) – Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or a mix of ground beef and pork for extra juiciness.

Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup) – Swap with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) – Feel free to use provolone or Monterey Jack to add some variety.

Marinara sauce (1 cup) – Use store-bought for convenience or make your own to add a personal touch.

Egg (1)

Salt (1 tsp)

Black pepper (1/4 tsp)

Chili flakes (1/4 tsp) – Add more (or less) depending on how much spice you like on your foods.

Chopped fresh parsley (1 tbsp) -Use cilantro for a different flavor or dried parsley if you don’t have fresh parsley.

Garlic, minced (1 clove) – If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic flakes.

Thyme (1 tsp) – Substitute with oregano if you don’t have thyme.

How to Make Meatballs with Cheese and Marinara Sauce

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 390F. First, we need to prepare the meatballs, and for that, we need to grab a large bowl and add the ground beef.

Step 2. Next, add the Parmesan cheese, salt, chili flakes, parsley, pepper, thyme, garlic, and egg.

Step 3. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4. Use a #20 scoop to make the meatballs even.

Step 5. To shape them, use your hands.

Step 6. Transfer the meatballs to an oven-safe dish. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 7. Take them out of the oven and flip them to continue baking on the other side.

Step 8. Place them back in the oven.

Step 9. Bake for another 10 minutes or until they become golden brown.

Step 10. Take the dish out of the oven, and it’s time to grab the marinara sauce.

Step 11. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.

Step 12. Make sure that all the meatballs are covered with the marinara sauce.

Step 13. Grab the mozzarella cheese.

Step 14. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the meatballs.

Step 15. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese browns and bubbles.

Step 16. When you are ready to serve, garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.

What I Serve with These Meatballs

These cheesy marinara meatballs are a meal on their own. However, they are even better with the right side dish.

Here are some of the best side dishes I’d have with this recipe.

• Garlic pasta
• Mashed potatoes
• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread

Pro tip: You can make them into a meatball sandwich.

My Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

You can also store them for longer if you place them in the freezer. Place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe containers and keep it there for up to 2 months.

When you are ready to have them, you can reheat in the oven (at 350°F) for 10 minutes or until they warm up.

If you want to meal-prep them without cooking them, prepare the meatballs (without the marinara and cheese) and freeze them on a baking sheet. When you are ready to have them, bake them from frozen and then add the sauce and cheese.