Description
These easy Italian meatballs are tender, flavorful, and quick enough for a weeknight but comforting enough for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor; or mix beef+veal/pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Spaghetti, for serving
- Salad, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, add ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch (roughly 24–28 meatballs per pound).
- Pour 1/3 of the marinara into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange meatballs in the dish in a single layer and pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature and are cooked through.
- Garnish with extra parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve over spaghetti with a side salad.
Notes
For a leaner option, swap ground turkey and add olive oil or milk to keep them moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian