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Close-up of delicious baked meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, seasoned with herbs. Perfect for easy dinner recipes.

Easy Baked Meatballs

A simple recipe for baked meatballs, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving (Optional)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • cooked pasta or rice

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
  5. If serving with marinara sauce, warm the sauce in a saucepan. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to heat through.
  6. Serve the meatballs with cooked pasta or rice, or as desired.

Notes

You can add a tablespoon of milk or water to the meatball mixture if it seems too dry. For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.

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