Italian Meat Bowls Recipe offers a flavorful, hearty dish that combines the rich taste of seasoned ground meat with fresh ingredients. Served in bowls, this meal is perfect for anyone seeking a comforting yet easy-to-make dinner option. The combination of herbs, spices, and a tangy tomato sauce brings an authentic Italian twist.
Ideal for meal prep, these bowls are customizable with different vegetables, grains, or toppings like mozzarella or Parmesan. The recipe is balanced, providing a great source of protein and fiber, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just need something quick and satisfying, Italian Meat Bowls are a versatile and satisfying choice. They embody the essence of Italian comfort food with a modern, healthy twist.
Italian Meat Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves finely grated
- 1 large egg beaten lightly
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 pound ground beef 80% lean
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing the rack
- 6 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese cut into 24 small cubes
- 1/2 cup store-bought marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep the breadcrumb mixture: In a large bowl, combine the milk and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add ingredients: Stir in the garlic, egg, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything together using your hands until well combined.
- Add ground beef: Add the ground beef to the mixture and mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the meat mixture: Scoop rounded tablespoons of the meat mixture into a 24-cup miniature muffin tin. Press the mixture down into the bottom and up the sides to form small bowls.
- Add mozzarella: Place one cube of mozzarella into the center of each meat bowl.
- Freeze the bowls: Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. (This step can be done a day ahead.)
- Preheat the oven: Adjust the oven rack to the upper third of the oven and preheat it to 450°F.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Place a cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet and spray it generously with cooking spray. Put the remaining 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs in a small bowl.
- Remove from muffin tin: Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to gently release the frozen meat bowls from the muffin tin.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Roll the outside of each meat bowl in the breadcrumbs to coat them fully, then place them on the prepared cooling rack.
- Add marinara sauce: Spoon 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into each meat bowl.
- Season the bowls: In a small bowl, mix the oregano, crushed red pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture on top of each meat bowl.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the meat is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
