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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any gathering, look no further than the Savory Herbed Garlic Bread Meatball Bake. This dish combines the heartiness of flavorful meatballs, the rich and tangy goodness of marinara sauce, and the delightful crunch of garlic bread, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that is sure to please any palate.

Herbed Garlic Bread Meatball Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with the Savory Herbed Garlic Bread Meatball Bake. This delightful dish marries juicy meatballs with rich marinara sauce and crispy garlic bread, creating an explosion of flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, this recipe combines fresh herbs and cheeses for a truly comforting meal. Discover tips on preparation, serving suggestions, and ways to customize for your family’s taste preferences. Make your mealtime memorable!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 loaf of garlic bread (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready for baking.

    Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until well combined, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Shape the meatballs: With your hands, take a portion of the meat mixture and roll it into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with approximately 20 to 24 meatballs.

        Sear the meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer them to a baking dish.

          Layer with marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are thoroughly coated. This will keep the meatballs moist while they bake.

            Top with cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the saucy meatballs, ensuring maximum cheesy goodness in every bite.

              Prepare the garlic bread: If you're using a store-bought garlic bread loaf, carefully slice it in half horizontally. If you have a homemade garlic bread recipe, prepare that according to your liking.

                Bake the dish: Place the baking dish filled with meatballs and sauce into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

                  Toast the garlic bread: While the meatball bake is cooking, follow the package instructions for toasting your garlic bread (or bake homemade bread at the same time). Once toasted, remove it from the oven and set aside.

                    Serve: After baking, remove the meatball dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve the meatballs hot alongside slices of garlic bread for a delightful dipping experience.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4-6 servings