Juicy Italian Baked Meatballs (Printer-Friendly)
Enjoy tender meatballs baked with Italian herbs in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food for any gathering.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 pound ground beef
02 -
1 pound ground pork
03 -
1 cup breadcrumbs
04 -
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
05 -
0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or basil
06 -
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
07 -
1 small yellow onion, grated
08 -
0.75 cup whole milk
09 -
1 large egg
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0.5 teaspoon salt
11 -
0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 -
Olive oil for greasing
→ Marinara Sauce
13 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
14 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
15 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
16 -
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 teaspoon dried basil
20 -
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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0.5 teaspoon salt
22 -
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
23 -
0.5 teaspoon sugar
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley or basil, garlic, grated onion, milk, egg, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until just blended for a light texture.
02 -
With lightly oiled hands, roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and arrange them in a single layer on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each for even browning.
03 -
Preheat oven to 410°F (210°C). Bake meatballs on the center rack for 12 minutes, or until cooked through. Broil for 2 additional minutes for a golden-brown exterior.
04 -
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
05 -
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
06 -
Carefully add baked meatballs and any pan juices into the simmering sauce. Gently simmer for 2–3 minutes to infuse with flavor while preventing overcooking.
07 -
Plate meatballs with sauce over cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, or accompany with crusty bread.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Combine meats for a balance of flavor and tenderness; avoid over-mixing to maintain a light texture.
02 -
Adding milk ensures juicy, moist meatballs; do not skip broiling for optimal browning.
03 -
A pinch of sugar in the sauce balances acidity, or substitute with a small amount of baking soda.