Baked Meatballs Italian Style (Printer-Friendly)
Oven-baked meatballs with Italian herbs, simmered gently in tomato sauce for a simply satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Meatballs
01 -
1 pound ground beef
02 -
1/2 pound ground pork
03 -
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
04 -
1/4 cup whole milk
05 -
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
1 large egg
07 -
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
08 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
10 -
3/4 teaspoon salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 -
2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing or spraying meatballs)
→ For the Marinara Sauce
13 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
15 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
21 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
22 -
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
23 -
1/4 cup fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley, chopped
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until ingredients are just incorporated.
02 -
Using lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, placing them on a greased or lined baking sheet, ensuring space between each.
03 -
Preheat oven to 410°F. Bake meatballs for 12 minutes until firm and lightly browned, then broil on high for 2 additional minutes for a deep golden crust.
04 -
While meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar or baking soda. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 -
Transfer baked meatballs and any pan juices into the simmering marinara sauce. Add fresh basil or parsley, and gently stir to coat. Simmer together for 3-5 minutes to let flavors meld.
06 -
Plate meatballs with sauce over cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if desired.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Gently mixing the ingredients ensures a tender texture; avoid overworking the meat. Add a splash more milk if the mixture feels dry.
02 -
Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking for convenient meal prep.