These giant lazy meatballs are a fantastic, no-fuss meal for the entire family. Made with a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, they’re packed with savory flavors, while the marinara and melted mozzarella add a comforting, cheesy touch. The simplicity of baking them in the oven and then simmering them in sauce makes this recipe a perfect option for a quick yet hearty dinner. What’s great about these meatballs is their versatility. You can serve them with pasta, crusty bread, or even over a bed of mashed potatoes for an extra cozy meal. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser for a weeknight meal or a family gathering. Plus, they freeze well, making them great for meal prep!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Combine until just mixed, careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the meat mixture into large balls, about the size of a tennis ball, and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the marinara sauce and let them simmer for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, cover the skillet, and cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the giant meatballs with the sauce spooned over them.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why This Recipe Is the Best
Simplicity and Convenience:
One of the key features of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Unlike traditional meatballs, which require rolling dozens of small balls, this recipe focuses on creating larger, more substantial meatballs, cutting down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor. With minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle. The oven does most of the work, baking the meatballs to perfection before they finish cooking in a rich marinara sauce.
Flavorful Ingredients:
The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage elevates these meatballs beyond the typical beef-only version. The sausage brings a unique blend of herbs and spices that complement the richness of the beef, while the garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese add layers of flavor. Parmesan, in particular, enhances the umami profile of the dish, making it more savory and satisfying. Fresh parsley brightens up the meatballs, providing a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the meat.
Hearty and Filling:
These meatballs are large enough to satisfy any appetite. Each ball is packed with protein, thanks to the combination of beef, sausage, and eggs. The breadcrumbs add structure, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape without being too dense. The added mozzarella on top gives the dish a gooey, cheesy finish that melts into the marinara sauce, creating the perfect bite. Served with pasta, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes, this meal is sure to keep you full and satisfied.
Nutritional Benefits:
While this recipe is indulgent, it offers several nutritional benefits. The beef and sausage provide a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Garlic, known for its antioxidant properties, adds not only flavor but health benefits as well. Fresh parsley is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and it helps cleanse the palate, keeping the dish light despite its hearty components. And while mozzarella and Parmesan may be indulgent cheeses, they provide calcium, which is important for bone health.
Versatility of the Recipe
Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. While the base recipe calls for ground beef and Italian sausage, you can easily adapt it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added texture and nutrients.
- Herb Variations: You can swap out parsley for basil, oregano, or thyme to bring different herbal flavors to the dish. Fresh basil, for instance, would add a sweet, peppery taste that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a slightly different taste.
- Make It Healthier: For those looking for a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use low-fat mozzarella. You can also replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or a gluten-free alternative to cater to specific dietary needs.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
This dish isn’t just for a weeknight dinner; it’s versatile enough to be served at larger gatherings or even for meal prep. The giant size of the meatballs makes them a standout dish at parties or potlucks. You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for a day or two before reheating them in the marinara sauce when you’re ready to serve.
They also freeze well, making them a fantastic option for meal planning. Simply cook the meatballs, freeze them in an airtight container, and when you need a quick meal, let them thaw and simmer them in sauce for a stress-free dinner. This recipe is particularly great for those who like to cook in batches and save time during the week.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement these giant meatballs, serve them over pasta for a classic Italian meal. Spaghetti is a favorite, but fettuccine or penne also work well. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you could serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.
Pair the dish with a side salad of fresh greens, such as arugula or a simple Caesar salad, to balance the richness of the meatballs. A loaf of crusty Italian bread is another excellent side, perfect for mopping up the extra marinara sauce.
If you want to impress your guests or elevate your family dinner, serve the meatballs with a robust red wine like Chianti or Barbera. These Italian wines have enough acidity and boldness to cut through the richness of the dish, enhancing the dining experience.
History and Inspiration
The origin of meatballs is widely attributed to Italian cuisine, although various cultures have their own versions of this iconic dish. In Italy, meatballs (or “polpette”) are often made smaller and served as part of the meal, but in the U.S., Italian-American cuisine popularized the larger, more robust version of meatballs served with pasta and marinara sauce. This recipe takes inspiration from the Italian-American tradition but simplifies the process to make it accessible for modern cooks.
The “lazy” aspect of the recipe comes from the fact that you’re not rolling dozens of small meatballs, and there’s no frying involved. Instead, you form a few large, hearty meatballs that are baked until golden brown and then simmered in sauce. This technique saves time and effort, making it perfect for cooks who want the comforting flavors of homemade meatballs without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion
This recipe offers a balance between convenience, flavor, and heartiness. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies a crowd but doesn’t require a lot of technical skill, making it approachable for beginner cooks while still being delicious enough for experienced chefs to appreciate.
The combination of beef and Italian sausage ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the addition of mozzarella brings an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re serving this as a casual family dinner or as part of a larger gathering, these giant lazy meatballs are guaranteed to please.
