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Olive Garden Meatballs Parmigiana

Olive Garden Meatballs Parmigiana - recipe card
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Tender, juicy meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This crowd-pleasing dish brings the flavors of Olive Garden to your kitchen for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 tbsp for topping
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for browning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined; overworking will make the meatballs dense.
  2. Shape the mixture into 16 uniform meatballs, about 1.5 tablespoons each. Place them on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently with a spatula, until all sides are deeply browned. The centers will still be raw.
  4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. Discard the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the marinara sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; this adds flavor to the sauce.
  6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon a little sauce over the tops.
  7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan evenly over the meatballs.
  8. Place the skillet in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. The cheese will set slightly, making serving easier. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container; freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs parmigiana, Olive Garden meatballs, Italian-American meatballs, baked meatballs, beef meatballs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy meatball recipe

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/olive-garden-meatballs-parmigiana/