Cheesy Oven-Baked Meatballs

Serving Size: 6-8 Total Time: 45 minutes

RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS

For the meatballs:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside for later use.
2. In a small bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Allow the breadcrumbs to soak in the milk, absorbing the liquid until they become soggy.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Add the ground beef to the mixture and use your hands to thoroughly combine the egg and seasonings with the meat.
4. Add the minced onions, minced garlic, and soaked breadcrumbs to the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and place them in the greased baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the meatballs and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the smashed garlic. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for one minute.
7. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 2-3 minutes.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the smashed garlic and pour the sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish. If necessary, drain any excess fat from the baking dish.
9. Top the meatballs with mozzarella cheese and return them to the oven. Bake until the cheese turns golden brown and begins to bubble, which should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
10. Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful meatballs with their cheesy sauce!