Few dishes say “comfort” quite like Italian-style meatballs simmering in rich tomato sauce. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these oven-baked meatballs bring all the warmth of Italy right to your table. Did you know meatballs—or polpette in Italian—have been part of family kitchens for centuries? They symbolize comfort, togetherness, and love shared over a home-cooked meal.
This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver: simple, hearty, and ready in about an hour. Serve it with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, and you’ve got a dinner that feels both indulgent and effortless. If you love classics like Chicken Parmesan or Stuffed Peppers, this one will quickly become a family favorite.
What Are Oven-Baked Italian-Style Meatballs in Sauce?
The name says it all—juicy meatballs baked in the oven until golden, then simmered in luscious marinara sauce. The oven method keeps them tender and evenly cooked without the mess of frying, while the sauce infuses them with rich, savory flavor. It’s cozy, comforting, and surprisingly easy.
Fun fact: “meatball” comes from the Italian word polpette, meaning “little ball.” Simple, but deliciously accurate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big flavor, simple prep – a perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Budget-friendly – a homemade, restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the price.
- Endlessly customizable – add fresh herbs, extra cheese, or serve with your favorite sides.
If comfort food is your love language, this recipe is for you.
How to Make Oven-Baked Italian-Style Meatballs in Sauce
Quick Overview
Prep + bake in 45 minutes. Less mess than frying, and every meatball comes out perfectly browned and juicy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix meatball mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Shape meatballs: Form 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Cook for about 20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Simmer in sauce: Warm marinara in a large saucepan, then gently add meatballs. Simmer 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve & enjoy: Pair with pasta, bread, or enjoy straight from the pot!
What to Serve With Italian Meatballs
- Spaghetti – the classic pairing.
- Polenta or mashed potatoes – for a cozy twist.
- Garlic bread – perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Fresh green salad – a refreshing balance to the richness.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Don’t overmix – keeps them light and tender.
- Use fresh herbs – parsley or thyme add brightness.
- Bake in batches – avoids overcrowding and ensures even cooking.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in sauce, airtight, up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in sauce over low heat until hot.
These oven-baked Italian-style meatballs are more than just dinner—they’re comfort in every bite. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to become a regular on your family table. So grab your ingredients, pour a little marinara, and let Italy come to you.
Oven-Baked Italian-Style Meatballs in Sauce
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Quality ground beef for best flavor
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated gives the best taste
- 1/4 cup milk Helps keep the meatballs moist
- 1 piece egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aroma and flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference
Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Lightly grease your hands, and roll the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs for around 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, gently place them into the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serving
- Ladle the meatballs onto your favorite pasta, serve with crusty bread, or enjoy them on their own.
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