Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy, let me introduce you to my favorite oven-baked meatballs. Perfectly juicy, seasoned just right, and coated in a rich marinara sauce, they’re everything you want in a cozy homemade dish—without the hassle of frying!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)
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½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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¼ cup milk
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup finely chopped onion
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, onion, and seasonings. Use your hands or a fork—just don’t overmix!
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. You should get about 20–24 meatballs.
Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).
While the meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce in a large skillet. Once baked, add the meatballs and gently toss to coat. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5–10 minutes.
Notes
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Don’t overmix your meat mixture—it leads to tough meatballs.
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Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized meatballs.
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Want extra cheesy? Tuck a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before baking.
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Try a blend of beef + pork for even richer flavor.
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Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins