Cheesy Beef Meatball Marinara Bake – Easy Family Dinner

Cheesy Beef Meatball Marinara Bake is a comforting oven-baked dinner made with juicy lean beef meatballs, tender aubergine, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and a delicious layer of melted mozzarella cheese.

This easy family meal brings together simple ingredients and classic Italian-inspired flavors in one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekend dinners, or preparing meals ahead of time.

Serve it with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a little homemade garlic bread for a delicious dinner everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Meatball Marinara Bake

• Rich and comforting: Tender beef meatballs are coated in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce.
• Made with lean beef: Using 5% fat ground beef keeps the meatballs satisfying without unnecessary excess fat.
• Packed with vegetables: Aubergine, onion, garlic, and tomatoes add flavor and texture.
• Delicious cheesy topping: Reduced-fat mozzarella melts beautifully over the meatballs.
• Family-friendly: A simple dinner that can be enjoyed with pasta, rice, potatoes, or salad.
• Great for meal prep: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then bake when ready.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

For the Beef Meatballs

• 500g lean ground beef (5% fat or less)
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Low-calorie cooking spray

For the Marinara Sauce

• 1 medium aubergine (approximately 300g), diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 × 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 150ml vegetable or beef stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Low-calorie cooking spray

For the Cheesy Topping

• 120g reduced-fat mozzarella, grated
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley or basil
• A pinch of dried oregano, optional

How to Make Cheesy Beef Meatball Marinara Bake