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Italian Meatballs First Image

Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 meatballs 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Delicious baked meatballs made with ground meat, spices, and served with marinara sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • lbs Ground meat (I use beef/veal, but see notes for more options)
  • 1 Onion (grated)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan (grated)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Chili flakes
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp Kosher salt (You can always add more after frying a small sample and adjusting the seasoning to your liking)
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper
  • 10 Basil leaves
  • 1½ cups Marinara Sauce
  • Garnish with grated parmesan and more fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Assemble. In a large bowl, combine 1½ lbs Ground meat, 1 Onion (grated), ¼ cup Parmesan (grated), 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped), 1 tsp Dried oregano, 1 tsp Chili flakes, 1 tsp Garlic powder, ¾ tsp Kosher salt, and ¼ tsp Black pepper.
  2. Make Meatball Mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. I recommend wearing gloves for easier cleanup and a thorough mix. You can now fry a small amount and taste it to check the seasoning. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
  3. Portion and Par-Bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Portion the mixture into 10-12 large meatballs and arrange them in a single layer in a high-sided baking dish or large skillet (ovenproof). Bake for 10 minutes. This helps the meatballs set and start to brown lightly.
  4. Add Sauce and Basil. Remove the skillet from the oven, scatter 10 Basil leaves, and pour 1½ cups Marinara Sauce around the meatballs.
  5. Finish the Bake. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C using an instant-read thermometer).
  6. Garnish and Serve. Garnish with grated parmesan and more fresh basil. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can use a mixture of beef and veal or substitute with other ground meats like turkey or chicken.
  • Taste the meatball mixture before baking to adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg