We’ve always been fans of how Kraft Parmesan Cheese transforms simple meatballs into a cheesy delight that’s perfect for family dinners. Originating from Italian-inspired classics, this version amps up the flavor with that signature tangy kick, making it a go-to favorite in our kitchen.
It’s not just tasty—it’s easy to whip up with everyday ingredients, so you’ll feel confident trying it yourself. Whether you’re hosting or just craving comfort food, our Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatball Recipe promises to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients
In our Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatball Recipe, we select high-quality ingredients to deliver an authentic, Italian-inspired flavor that elevates every bite with tangy, savory notes from Kraft Parmesan Cheese.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean, fresh beef as the base for juicy meatballs.
- 1/2 cup Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides the star tangy, nutty taste that binds and flavors the mixture.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Choose plain or Italian-style for texture and to help hold the meatballs together.
- 1 large egg: Beaten to act as a binder, ensuring the meatballs maintain their shape.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture; chop finely for even distribution.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic depth; mince fresh for the best flavor release.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a bright, herbaceous note; use flat-leaf for optimal taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Seasons the mixture to enhance overall savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick for balanced spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the meatballs to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients, we guide you through crafting these flavorful Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs with ease and precision. Our step-by-step process ensures juicy, tangy results that highlight the authentic Italian taste of Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we start by prepping our ingredients to build a strong foundation for the meatballs. Gather 1 pound of lean ground beef, ½ cup of Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg beaten until uniform, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves of garlic minced, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley chopped, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until the ingredients form a uniform mixture with a slightly sticky texture that promises savory depth in every bite.
Form the Meatballs
Next, we shape the meatballs to create perfectly portioned bites. From the prepared mixture, scoop out 1- to 2-inch portions using a tablespoon or your hands—aim for about 20 meatballs to serve 4 people. Roll each portion into smooth, round balls ensuring they hold together firmly for even cooking. As you work, notice the aromatic blend of garlic and Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese that hints at the tangy, cheesy flavor waiting to emerge once baked or fried.
Cook the Meatballs
Finally, we cook the meatballs to achieve a golden, irresistible finish. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the formed meatballs in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and develop a crispy, browned exterior. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they are juicy inside with a rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen, making this dish a comforting family favorite.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs to life with ease and precision, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline the preparation and cooking process. These items ensure accurate mixing, shaping, and cooking for that perfect, juicy texture and tangy flavor.
Here’s a detailed list of the equipment we’ll need, organized by the steps in our recipe:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the lean ground beef, Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper into a uniform mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients accurately—such as 1 cup of breadcrumbs or 1 teaspoon of salt—ensuring consistent results every time we prepare this Italian-inspired dish.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: Ideal for finely chopping the onion and garlic, which add essential flavors to our meatballs without overwhelming the tangy notes from Kraft Parmesan Cheese.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing the ingredients thoroughly, helping us achieve the right consistency before shaping.
- Baking sheet or frying pan: Depending on our cooking method, a baking sheet works for oven-baking at 375°F for juicy meatballs, while a frying pan suits stovetop frying in olive oil until golden brown.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: To handle the meatballs safely during cooking and draining, preventing them from breaking apart and preserving their savory, aromatic appeal.
By having these tools ready, we make the entire process efficient and enjoyable, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful family favorite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs is that we can prepare them ahead of time to simplify busy weeknights or meal prep routines. This allows the flavors—from the tangy Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese to the savory garlic and herbs—to meld even more, delivering a juicy, authentic Italian-inspired dish whenever we need it.
Preparing the Meatballs in Advance
To get started, we follow the initial mixing and shaping steps from our recipe but stop before cooking. Here’s how we do it step by step:
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, we combine the lean ground beef, Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is uniform and easy to handle.
- Shape the meatballs: Using clean hands, we form the mixture into 1- to 2-inch balls, yielding about 20 meatballs for four servings. We place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Cool and store: We let the shaped meatballs cool in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up before storing.
Storage Options
For optimal freshness, we have two main storage methods. Proper storage ensures the meatballs maintain their moist texture and bold flavors without compromising safety.
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Transfer the shaped meatballs to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below to keep them fresh and ready for quick cooking. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Arrange the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid (about 1–2 hours). Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling with the date to track storage time. |
Reheating and Cooking from Storage
When we’re ready to enjoy our make-ahead meatballs, we reheat them directly without thawing for the best results:
- From the refrigerator: We cook the chilled meatballs as originally instructed—either by frying in olive oil over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until golden brown or baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- From the freezer: For frozen meatballs, we add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time. If baking, we place them directly on a baking sheet; if frying, we cook from frozen in a preheated pan to achieve that crispy exterior and juicy interior.
By planning ahead with these steps, we ensure our Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs are always convenient, flavorful, and ready to impress.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs elevate your meals with ease and flavor.
They bring families together over simple, satisfying dishes that feel truly special.
Give this recipe a try and you’ll discover it’s our go-to for quick dinners that never disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatball Recipe?
The Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatball Recipe is a simple, Italian-inspired dish that uses Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese to add tangy flavor to juicy meatballs made from lean ground beef and other easy ingredients. It’s perfect for family dinners, offering an authentic taste with minimal effort, and can be fried or baked for a comforting meal.
What ingredients are in the Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs?
The key ingredients include lean ground beef, Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. These common pantry staples combine to create flavorful, savory meatballs with a tangy twist, making it easy to achieve an authentic Italian flavor at home.
How do I make Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs?
Start by mixing all ingredients in a large bowl to form a uniform mixture. Shape into 1- to 2-inch meatballs, about 20 for four servings. Cook by frying in olive oil until golden brown or baking in the oven for a juicy finish. This step-by-step process ensures a rich aroma and delicious results, ideal for family meals.
What equipment do I need for the Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatball Recipe?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board and sharp knife, a spatula or wooden spoon, a baking sheet or frying pan, and tongs or a slotted spoon. These tools help with accurate mixing, shaping, and cooking, streamlining the process for efficient and enjoyable meal prep.
Can I prepare Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can mix and shape the meatballs ahead of time. Store them refrigerated for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months after cooling. This make-ahead option simplifies busy weeknights, allowing you to reheat and cook directly from storage for fresh, flavorful results whenever needed.
How should I store and reheat the Kraft Parmesan Cheese Meatballs?
After cooking and cooling, refrigerate meatballs in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or on the stovetop until heated through, maintaining their juicy texture and tangy flavor for easy enjoyment.