Meatball Parmesan Bites are the perfect appetizer for your next get together. Tender meatballs, infused with garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan are smothered in red sauce and topped with mozzarella & basil for a burst of Italian flavor!
Mince 2 cloves of garlic and then thinly slice the remaining 2 cloves.
In a large bowl, ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, basil, minced garlic and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined. Use your hands to roll into golfball sized balls.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place meatballs in skillet and brown on all sides. When the meatballs have developed a nice crispy crust, remove from the skillet and set aside. Now, over medium heat, pour marinara into the skillet. Stir in sliced garlic and remaining Parmesan. Once it's simmering, place your cooked meatballs back in the sauce. Making sure to spoon some sauce over the meatballs so they're nice and covered. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer meatballs for another 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
Place a slice of mozzarella on each meatball. Cover pan with lid again and heat until the cheese is melted.
Top each meatball with a folded basil leaf and insert a toothpick to serve.