cheesy sausage meatballs

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These Cheesy Sausage Meatballs are packed with savory flavor, loaded with melted cheese on the inside and out, and baked to golden perfection. They require no breadcrumbs, come together in minutes, and make an incredible appetizer, low-carb main, or game-day favorite.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • ½ lb lean ground beef or ground pork
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: ¾ cup for the mix, ¼ cup for topping)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (salt is usually not needed as sausage is well-seasoned)

For the Sauce and Finish:

  • 1 ½ cups your favorite marinara or tomato basil sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1.Preheat and Prep:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for a casserole-style bake.
2.Mix the Meatball Ingredients:Combine Italian sausage, ground beef, Parmesan, 3/4 cup mozzarella, egg, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian sausage, ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, three-quarters cup of shredded mozzarella, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently until just combined—avoid over-mixing, or the meatballs can become tough.
3.Shape the Meatballs:Roll the mixture into uniform golf-ball-sized meatballs and place on the baking sheet.

Scoop portions of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) and roll them firmly between your palms into uniform golf-ball-sized meatballs. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one.
4.Bake the Meatballs:Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5.Add Sauce and Cheese:Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Remove the pan from the oven. Spoon a warm layer of marinara sauce over each meatball (or pour the sauce into the bottom of your baking dish if making a casserole style), then sprinkle the remaining quarter-cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
6.Melt the Cheese:Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or switch the oven to broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes to get the cheese golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp on the edges.
7.Garnish and Serve:Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm straight from the pan, with extra warm marinara sauce for dipping!

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