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Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe – Juicy, Tender, and Ready in 30 Minutes

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These easy baked meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection and tossed in a flavorful homemade marinara sauce, they’re perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (less if preferred)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, for the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, for the sauce
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
  3. Slowly add the lukewarm water, a few tablespoons at a time, gently mixing with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
  4. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion approximately 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  6. While the meatballs bake, prepare the marinara sauce. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, until golden and fragrant.
  7. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
  8. Allow the marinara sauce to simmer gently for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
  9. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, carefully transfer them to the marinara sauce. Gently stir until evenly coated.
  10. Serve the baked meatballs warm with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy over pasta, in meatball sandwiches, or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Add the lukewarm water gradually to achieve a moist mixture that holds together when shaped.
  • For a lighter variation, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides better flavor and texture than pre-shredded varieties.
  • For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce.
  • Serve with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, garlic bread, or in toasted sandwich rolls.
  • Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooked meatballs with or without sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through to 165°F (74°C).
  • Nutrition estimates are based on approximately one meatball with a portion of marinara sauce, excluding additional Parmesan and side dishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/easy-baked-meatballs-recipe-juicy-tender-and-ready-in-30-minutes/