Description
These classic baked Italian meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, nestled in a rich marinara sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape into even-sized meatballs using a scoop or hands, and place onto prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Pour marinara sauce over meatballs and return to oven for 5–10 minutes until sauce is hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm with optional garnish of fresh parsley or more Parmesan.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions.
- Let meatballs rest a few minutes after baking before serving.
- These meatballs freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, classic Italian dinner, meatball recipe, marinara meatballs