A Perfect Feast

Easy Meatball and Mozzarella Skillet is one of our favorite cold weather appetizers. We love this appetizer for several reasons. First of all, we love eating these warm meatballs topped with cheese on cold nights. Sometimes we eat this as an appetizer with crusty bread. Other times, we eat this as a main course on top of spaghetti or on a warm hoagie bun. Secondly, I like that I can make this entire dish in less than an hour. It’s great on busy nights. And, lastly, I like that this dish can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave. The meatballs make terrific leftovers.

The Equipment I Used

• A Dutch Oven- I use an enameled cast iron Dutch oven to cook my meatballs. But, you can use any large pot.
• A Cast Iron Skillet- Use a ten inch cast iron skillet to heat the meatballs under the broiler. But, you can use any shallot broiler safe casserole or pan to broil your meatballs in.

The Ingredients Needed for Easy Meatball and Mozzarella Skillet

• Jarred Marinara Sauce- I use Vero Gusto Calabrian Marinara Sauce. It has strong red pepper notes, and it’s really delicious.
• Oil- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. I like California Olive Ranch brand.
• Garlic- I like to use the peeled cloves. I keep them in my freezer.
• Beef- For these meatballs, I use ground chuck meat. I find that makes the moistest meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs- I use plain 4C breadcrumbs.
• Milk- Be sure to use whole milk.
• Fresh Herbs- These add tons of fresh flavor.
• Parmesan cheese- Use a good quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Grate it on the small holes of your grater.
• Fresh Mozzarella- You can also use regular mozzarella cheese, just be sure it’s full fat.

How I Made my Meatballs

• First, I simmered my meatballs in the sauce. Don’t stir the just formed meatballs, or they will fall apart. Also, take care not to burn your balls.
• Then, I put the everything in a skillet and browned it under the broiler. This only takes a few minutes.

If you like meatballs, you need to try this cheesy and delicious Easy Meatball and Mozzarella Skillet.

Easy Meatball and Mozzarella Skillet

Meatballs cooked in jarred sauce topped with fresh mozzarella.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Equipment

• A ten inch cast iron skillet

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 20 ounces jarred or homemade marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 pound ground beef chuck meat
• 1 large beaten egg
• ⅓ cup each dried breadcrumbs and whole milk
• 1 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp. each fresh oregano, basil, and parsley, minced
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• crusty bread for serving

Instructions

 

• Begin by heating the sauce: In a Dutch oven, heat the sauce, covered, and cook on low heat until it warms through.
• While the sauce is heating, mix the meatball mixture: In a small skillet, heat the oil on low heat and cook the onion and garlic until they're soft. Move the onions and garlic to a large bowl and stir in the meat, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, a half cup of the grated parmesan cheese, and the minced herbs. Make 12 round, equal sized meatballs out of the mixture.
• Add the meatballs to the sauce, without stirring them. Cover and simmer for thirty minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
• Arrange the meatballs in a cast iron skillet, and pour the sauce around the meatballs. Top with the mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan and broil the pan just until the cheese melts. This will take just a few minutes. Add the basil and serve with crusty bread.

Keyword appetizers, beef

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