Oven-Baked Italian-Style Meatballs in Sauce
Delicious oven-baked meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
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.
Notes
Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid dense meatballs. Experiment with herbs for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.