First, adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray. This will help keep your meatballs from sticking!
In a big mixing bowl, combine your breadcrumbs (or pieces of stale bread) with the milk. Stir until the crumbs are nicely coated, then set it aside for around 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to soak in.
Now, add the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, 1/3 of your grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano to that breadcrumb mixture. Stir everything together well to create a delightful blend!
It’s time to incorporate the ground meat. Gently mix it in until just combined, making sure not to overwork it. Shape the mixture into 2.5-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake your meatballs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until they are beautifully browned and fully cooked. Want some extra color? Just broil them for 2-3 minutes toward the end!
Reduce your oven temperature to 375°F now. If you’re making your marinara sauce from scratch, prepare it while those delicious meatballs are baking.
In a 12-inch skillet, brush it with canola oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pour in 1 cup of sauce and sprinkle with 1/3 of the grated Parmesan cheese. Arrange those lovely meatballs in the skillet, ensuring some space between each. Pour the rest of the sauce over the meatballs and add more Parmesan on top.
Bake again at 375°F for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling with happiness. Finally, place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each meatball and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan. Cook until that cheese is melted and forming a lovely golden crust!
Allow the Meatball Parmesan to cool for a mere 5-10 minutes before serving. It’s the perfect time to whip up a nice Italian baguette and a refreshing side salad to accompany this feast.