Description
The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Bake is a comfort food masterpiece that combines tender meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and the flavors of garlic-infused bread. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, blending classic Italian flavors with the appeal of cheesy garlic bread, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs on top and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the garlic bread halves cut side up on top of the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the bread.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For vegetarian options, consider using plant-based meatballs and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg