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Before diving into the preparation of this delicious dish, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the key ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and delightful texture.

Herbed Garlic Bread Meatball Bake

Discover a delicious twist on comfort food with the Savory Herbed Garlic Bread Meatball Bake. This heartwarming dish features juicy meatballs, flavorful garlic bread, and rich marinara sauce all baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or laid-back get-togethers, it’s easy to make and guarantees a satisfying meal everyone will love. Dive into layers of flavor and texture, and create unforgettable memories around the dinner table with this crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Garlic Bread:

1 loaf of French or Italian bread

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of thyme, oregano, and rosemary)

Salt, to taste

For the Bake:

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before baking.

    Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped parsley. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until fully integrated. Once mixed, wet your hands slightly (to prevent sticking) and roll the mixture into meatballs about the size of golf balls.

      Bake the Meatballs: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully place the formed meatballs onto the baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked all the way through.

        Prepare the Garlic Bread: While the meatballs are baking, time to prepare the garlic bread. Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it’s a smooth spread. Generously slather this garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of the bread.

          Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the prepared garlic bread on a baking sheet (you can do this while the meatballs are still baking) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy on the edges.

            Assemble the Bake: Remove the meatballs from the oven once they’re done. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Carefully arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the sauce. Pour any remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, then finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

              Final Bake: Place the assembled baking dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

                Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice the garlic bread into pieces and serve alongside the meatball bake. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the meatball bake directly from the dish with the garlic bread arranged artfully on the side. Drizzle a little extra marinara on top of the dish or around the plate for a splash of color.