Italian Cheesy Meatball Bake
A quick, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing Italian dinner that feels homemade but comes together in under an hour. Perfect for last-minute guests or a busy weeknight, this bake combines juicy meatballs, melty cheeses, and golden toasted bread for a dish everyone will devour.
Servings: 8
Calories: 620kcal
Cost: $12–$15
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen Italian meatballs about 32
- 1 28 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread sliced
- 1/2 cup butter or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pour frozen meatballs into a medium saucepan with marinara sauce. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if desired. Heat over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While meatballs warm, spread butter or brush olive oil on each bread slice. For extra flavor, add a little minced garlic or garlic powder. Arrange slices on a sheet pan.
- Transfer meatballs and sauce to the center of a 9x13 baking dish. Generously layer mozzarella and Italian blend cheeses over the meatballs, finishing with Parmesan on top.
- Place both the meatball dish and bread in the oven. Bake ~25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden, and the bread is lightly toasted. Watch the bread. It can crisp quickly.
- Remove from oven and arrange toasted bread slices around the edges of the pan for presentation and texture. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
Make Ahead: Meatballs and sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for a fast lunch.
Add Veggies: Toss diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the sauce for a veggie boost.
Cheese Variations: Swap or add cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a twist your family might love.
Nutrition
Calories: 620kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 1283mg | Potassium: 604mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 976IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 306mg | Iron: 5mg
