Name: Cheesy Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce – A Comforting Family Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage (or substitute with ground beef); 2 slices of thick, soft bread (whole grain or white); 1 egg; ½ cup fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano); 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 tablespoon molasses (pomegranate molasses is ideal, but regular works too); 1 tablespoon Gochujang (optional, for added spice); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated; 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred); 2 tablespoons harissa (optional, for extra flavor); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced; 4 ounces provolone, shredded; Pasta, for serving

Description

Make delicious Cheesy Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with this easy recipe, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage (or substitute with ground beef)
2 slices of thick, soft bread (whole grain or white)
1 egg
½ cup fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon molasses (pomegranate molasses is ideal, but regular works too)
1 tablespoon Gochujang (optional, for added spice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
2 tablespoons harissa (optional, for extra flavor)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
4 ounces provolone, shredded
Pasta, for serving

Instructions

Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Make the meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage with the egg, oregano, cumin, molasses, and Gochujang (if using).
Dampen the bread slices under running water, squeeze out the excess moisture, crumble them into the bowl, and mix everything well.
Lightly coat your hands with olive oil, then shape the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized balls (yielding about 10-12 meatballs). Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish.
Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes until they develop a crisp exterior but remain slightly undercooked inside.
Prepare the sauce:
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, harissa (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine and bake again:
Once the meatballs are partially cooked, pour the tomato sauce over them. Cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for 25 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
Add the cheese:
Remove the foil, top the meatballs with mozzarella slices and shredded provolone. Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh oregano and serve warm with your favorite pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: 600 kcal per serving

Keywords: #MeatballRecipe #ComfortFood #CheesyBakes #TomatoSauce #ItalianInspired