1-First, gather all your ingredients and get them ready to go it’s the secret to smooth cooking. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to start things off right. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, sausage, crushed Calabrian chilis, grated onion, grated garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, cilantro, parsley, egg, and kosher salt, making sure not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

2-Next, shape the mixture into 12 to 13 meatballs, each about 2 inches in diameter, for even cooking. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over low to medium heat, then sauté the diced onion for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

3-Now, add the crushed tomatoes, chopped parsley, and salt to taste, bringing the sauce to a simmer. This step helps cut down on oven time. Turn off the heat, nestle the meatballs into the sauce, cover with a lid, and pop the pan in the oven. Bake covered for 15 minutes to let everything meld together.

4-After that, remove the lid and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and the cheese has melted. For a nice finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese on top. If you’re exploring more Italian-style dishes, try our marry me chicken recipe for another flavorful option.