This easy One Pan Meatball Parmesan Bake is the ultimate cozy weeknight dinner — tender, juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Everything bakes together in one skillet for an easy, comforting meal the whole family will love.
Each bite is hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor — perfect for when you’re craving comfort food without the extra cleanup.
The secret to the tender meatballs is soaking the bread in milk first, creating a soft, juicy texture that melts in your mouth. Serve it straight from the skillet with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad.
This is guaranteed to become a go-to dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
It’s cozy, simple, and so, SO cheesy. This dish is the perfect weeknight meal that can be made in 30 minutes or less!
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Whole Wheat Bread: Soaked in milk to create a soft panade that keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the meatballs stay soft when baked.
- Egg: Helps bind the mixture together for meatballs that hold their shape while staying light.
- Ground Beef: The heart of the dish — choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the meatballs and the topping.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Boosts flavor without extra chopping.
- Dried Parsley: A touch of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce and cheese.
- Tomato Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce — a rich, well-seasoned base ties the dish together.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into that classic, gooey topping everyone loves.
- Olive Oil: Mixed into the meatballs for added moisture and richness, and used again to brown them for that golden crust.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be mixed into the meatballs for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce for a kick.
- Swap the cheese: Try provolone, or fontina for a different cheesy melt.
- Make it a Sub: Serve leftovers on toasted rolls for delicious meatball subs.
- No bread on hand? Swap the bread for 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture — mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Brown before baking — searing adds a deeper flavor and helps lock in the juices.
- Use an oven-safe skillet so you can go straight from stovetop to oven.
- Broil at the end for a golden, bubbly cheese top.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese sets.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.
- Make Ahead: To freeze raw meatballs, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they’re not touching. Freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cook as directed — or bake straight from frozen, adding about 5–7 extra minutes to the cook time. Freezer safe up to 3 months.
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Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Meatball Parmesan Bake
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 1/2 c. Whole milk
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Pinch salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 24oz jar of tomato sauce pick your favorite!
- 10 slices of Mozzarella cheese
- Extra parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread and milk. Let sit 2–3 minutes to soften.
- Add beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide into 10 meatballs.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add meatballs in batches, browning 2–3 minutes per side.
- Pour tomato sauce over meatballs. Top each with a slice of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Cover and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 more minutes.
- Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for golden, bubbly cheese.
- Cool slightly, then serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad.
One Pan Recipes | One Pan Meals | Meatball Parmesan | Tender Meatballs | Meatball Recipe | Meatball Parmesan Bake | Family Friendly | Kid Approved | Easy Recipes | Comfort Food | 30 Minute Meals | Weeknight Meals | Weeknight Dinner | Dinner Recipes |
Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.