Dinner

Chili Cheese Meatball Bake Recipe

BySophie Carsel March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Introduction

This Chili Cheese Meatball Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines spicy tomato sauce with tender meatballs and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with hearty ingredients.

A white rectangular baking dish is filled with round meatballs covered in a bright red tomato sauce, topped with melted orange cheddar cheese. The meatballs are arranged in a single layer, with cheese melted unevenly on each one. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding a fresh pop of color. A wooden spoon lifts a meatball, showing its juicy texture and sauce coating. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (finely diced or grated)
1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean 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
2 cans tomato sauce (15 ounces each, or one 29 ounce can)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, milk, olive oil, onion, ground beef, ground pork, eggs, garlic, salt, black pepper, and taco seasoning. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
Step 3: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Pour this chili sauce evenly over the meatballs.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meatballs and sauce.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or increase the chili powder in the sauce.
Use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor and texture.
Serve the bake over rice, pasta, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
To make ahead, assemble the dish but don’t bake; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

Store leftover meatball bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This dish does not freeze well due to the sauce and cheese texture.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with round meatballs covered in a thick layer of bright red tomato sauce and sprinkled with shredded orange-yellow melted cheese. The meatballs have a dense brown texture peeking through the sauce, and there are small green herb leaves scattered on top for garnish. A wooden spoon is lifting one meatball from the dish, showing the sauce coating and cheese melting underneath. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of beef and pork?

Yes, you can substitute all ground beef for the pork if preferred. The meatballs will still be delicious, though pork adds extra juiciness.

How can I tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F. If you don’t have one, make sure no pink remains inside when you cut into a meatball.