This is a family recipe I’m sharing with you. Meatball Caprese is a go-to recipe in my home, one I usually serve once a month. I always make enough to share with the neighbors – it’s that kind of recipe! Simple to assemble and quick to bake, plan for the kids to join in on the cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 3 tbs of milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1.5 cups Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 handful of fresh Italian Parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbs fresh oregano, chopped
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • EVOO
  • San Marzano tomatoes, sliced in halves
  • 1 handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • Thick cut bacon, sliced to fit the patty (you can also use anchovies or prosciutto)

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Heat the EVOO in a skillet on the stove.
  • Place the first 8 ingredients in a bowl, just like you’re making meatballs, mix them together thoroughly with you hands (ground beef, milk, egg, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper).
  • Form patties, like hamburgers but a little plumper, and place the patties in the skillet cooking 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Transfer the patties to a baking dish and assemble – tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, bacon – or whatever meat you chose.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese melts, and serve hot.
Assembled before baking