Baked Italian Meatballs Tomato (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy Italian meatballs baked in a rustic tomato sauce for an easy, comforting meal packed with savory flavor.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meatball Mixture
01 -
1 pound ground beef
02 -
1/2 pound ground pork
03 -
1 cup breadcrumbs
04 -
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
05 -
2 large eggs
06 -
1/3 cup milk
07 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
08 -
1 small onion, finely diced
09 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
10 -
1 teaspoon salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 -
Olive oil spray for coating
→ Marinara Sauce
13 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
14 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
15 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
16 -
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
17 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
18 -
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed dried herbs
19 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
20 -
1 teaspoon sugar or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
21 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan, eggs, milk, parsley or basil, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just incorporated, ensuring the mixture is not overworked.
02 -
Lightly oil your hands and roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place each meatball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart for even cooking.
03 -
Preheat oven to 410°F. Bake meatballs in a single layer for 12 minutes or until nearly cooked through. For deeper color, broil on high heat for 2 additional minutes to achieve a golden exterior.
04 -
While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, sugar or baking soda, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened and aromatic.
05 -
Carefully transfer baked meatballs and any pan drippings to the simmering marinara sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld, avoiding overcooking.
06 -
Serve hot over cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, or with crusty bread as preferred.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For extra moisture, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and use lightly oiled hands when shaping.
02 -
A pinch of sugar or baking soda in the sauce balances acidity and prevents bitterness.