This saucy Chili Cheese Meatball Bake is so tasty, easy, and family friendly! With juicy meatballs baked in chili-seasoned tomato sauce and topped with bubbling melty cheddar, this easy meatball bake has become a fast favorite around here.
This Chili Cheese Meatball Bake recipe makes meatballs that are melt-in-your-mouth good – and it’s so easy to put together, too! We’re talking just 15 minutes of hands-on time – then the oven does the rest of the work while I whip up a couple of easy sides and dinner’s served!
Another great thing about these easy baked meatballs is that they’re perfect for meal prep. Whip up a batch on Sunday, then divide individual servings into meal prep containers and store in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Super easy – This Chili Cheese Meatball Bake really is the easiest way to make meatballs. Just mix it up, form the meatballs, line them up in your baking dish, then cover with sauce and cheese. Then the oven does the rest of the work.
- The best leftovers – These meatballs are even better the next day! The chili flavors really have a chance to mingle and develop as they sit.
- Versatile – Serve them by themselves with various sides, or spoon these easy baked meatballs over rice or pasta. Or toast up some sturdy sub buns, and fill with warm meatballs for to-die-for chili cheese meatball sandwiches!
Recipe Notes
This Chili Cheese Meatball Bake recipe is as simple as promised! Just a 15 minutes hands-on time for a family friendly dinner.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Chili Cheese Meatball Bake to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the meatballs:
- Bread crumbs – Plain breadcrumbs can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. Panko breadcrumbs or regular plain breadcrumbs will both work well.
- Milk – Whole or 2% milk works, in addition the eggs, as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Olive oil – For moist and tender meatballs; use your favorite brand.
- Onion – One yellow onion, finely minced or grated.
- Ground beef – You’ll want one pound of lean ground beef (I like to use 93% or leaner).
- Ground pork – Adding ground pork to the mix helps keep the meatballs from drying out and adds so much flavor.
- Eggs – You’ll need two large eggs, which bind the meatballs together.
- Garlic – Three cloves of crushed garlic for loads of garlicky flavor!
- Salt & pepper
- Taco seasoning – Grab it at the store or make your own homemade taco seasoning.
For the chili cheese topping:
- Tomato sauce – You’ll need one large can or two 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
- Chili powder – Choose mild chili powder for less heat, or a hotter chili powder if you prefer spicier meatballs.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, oregano, & cumin
- Cheddar cheese – You’ll need six ounces of shredded cheese.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Chili Cheese Turkey Meatball Bake– Swap in ground turkey for the ground beef and pork for a leaner version. Turkey meatballs baked are delicious too! How long to bake turkey meatballs? I suggest checking them at the 15-minute mark (if an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F or higher, they’re done).
- Spicy Chili Cheese Meatball Bake– Use a hot chili powder and add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a boost of heat.
- Meatball Pasta Bake– One of my favorite baked meatball recipes! Swap in marinara sauce for the tomato sauce and seasonings, add in 16 ounces of cooked pasta, and then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Chili Cheese Meatball Bake.
Add the breadcrumbs, milk, onion, beef, pork, eggs, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl.
Mix meatball mixture together with a spatula or your clean hands, until very well combined.
Roll into golf-ball-size meatballs and place in a greased dish.
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and seasonings.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake until the sauce and cheese are bubbling and the meatballs are cooked through.
Recipe Tips
- Use your hands! – In my opinion, the very best way to mix meatball is with your hands. Wash them well then get in there and squish it all together. It works perfectly!
- Oil the pan – To keep the meatballs from sticking to the baking dish and for easier clean-up, add non-stick spray or brush a little olive oil in the dish before adding the meatballs.
- Use a meat thermometer – An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure your meatballs are cooked through. Insert it into the center of the largest meatball, and if the temp reads 160°F, they’re done.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Prep ahead – You can assemble these easy baked meatballs all the way up until baking. Just cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days, then when you’re ready to bake, uncover and place in the oven!
- Use frozen meatballs – For an extra time-saving shortcut, grab some frozen meatballs and skip the mixing-up and forming step. Your meatball bake will be in the oven before you know it!
- Use pre-shredded cheese – Pick up already-shredded cheese to save your self some time (plus less dishes to wash!)
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Chili Cheese Meatball Bake recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Assemble the meatball bake up to the point of baking.
- Cover with foil and plastic wrap, making sure it’s well-sealed.
- Label and transfer to the freezer.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Bake as directed.
How to Freeze Chili Cheese Meatball Bake After Cooking
- Bake as directed then allow to cool to room temp.
- Cover with foil and plastic wrap so that it’s well-covered.
- Label and place in freezer.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge then warm in the microwave or in the oven.
What to Serve with Chili Cheese Meatball Bake
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of chili and meatballs, it will pair well with many of your favorite Mexican-inspired or American side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Black Beans or Crockpot Borracho Beans
- Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread
- Mexican Roasted Vegetables
Chili Cheese Meatball Bake Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Chili Cheese Meatball Subs– Butter and toast up some sturdy sub buns and load them up with meatballs and sauce. Top with extra cheddar and devour!
- Meatball Grilled Cheese– Thinly slice meatballs and line them inside a grilled cheese sandwich layered with provolone and cheddar. Butter the outside and cook low and slow in a saute pan until golden on both sides, then serve.
- Chili Cheese Spaghetti & Meatballs– Cook up some spaghetti noodles, then warm up leftover chili cheese meatballs. Mix the cooked pasta in with the meatballs and sauce.
- Chili Cheese Meatball Rice Bowl– Serve warm meatballs in a bowl layered with rice, cheese, avocado, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips.
Recipe FAQ’s
What is the secret to tender meatballs?
I have a few tricks up my sleeve for tender meatballs. First, I use milk which adds moisture and helps to tenderize the meat. Then, I use both eggs and some olive oil for extra juicy, tender meatballs. Breadcrumbs help baked meatballs stay nice and tender, too.
Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400?
My favorite temperature to bake meatballs is 400°F. The faster cooking time helps create more tender, moist meatballs.
How to bake meatballs in oven?
It’s easy! Just line them up in a deep oven-safe baking dish and bake at 400°F until cooked through.
How long to bake meatballs in the oven?
You’ll want to give them 15-25 minutes to cook through. For beef and pork meatballs, an instant-read thermometer should read 160°F to indicated doneness. For poultry like turkey meatballs or chicken meatballs, they may cook a little faster, and you’ll want to look for 165°F.
Chili Cheese Meatball Bake
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced or grated
- 1 pound lean ground beef, I use 93% or leaner
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
For the cheese cheese topping:
- 2 cans tomato sauce, 15 ounces each, or one 29 ounce can
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, milk, olive oil, onion, beef, pork, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Roll mixture into meatballs (about golf ball size) and place them in a greased 9×13” baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Pour the chili sauce over the meatballs. Top with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (160˚F).
Recipe Notes
- Ground beef & ground pork – Can sub in ground turkey for a leaner option.
Nutrition Information
More EASY Bake Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy casserole recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
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