Amazing Baked Meatballs for a Delicious Dinner Delight

There’s something magical about the aroma of Baked Meatballs wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? Picture this: tender, juicy meatballs, slightly crisp on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce. creamy baked mac and cheese The sizzle of fresh garlic and herbs mingling in the air creates an irresistible invitation to gather around the dinner table. You can practically hear your taste buds cheering in anticipation!

Now, let me take you back to a time when I attempted to impress my friends with my “culinary skills.” Spoiler alert: it involved more smoke alarms than applause. But then I discovered Baked Meatballs, and suddenly, I was the superstar chef of my own kitchen! This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or spontaneous gatherings with friends. fun football pizza pockets Trust me; once you try these meatballs, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again.

Ingredients for Baked Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Baked Meatballs:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excessive grease; about 80/20 is ideal.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together while adding a delightful crunch; panko breadcrumbs work wonders.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor that elevates your meatballs from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley and basil add freshness; don’t skimp on these fragrant beauties!
• Eggs: One or two eggs act as a binding agent to keep everything together during baking.

For the Sauce:

• Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; either way, it’s essential for that classic comfort food vibe.
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder in your sauce gives an extra punch of flavor without much effort.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Meatballs

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Baked Meatballs:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures our glorious meatballs won’t stick like my last relationship.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, eggs, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (yes, get messy) to mix everything until just combined—like you’re forming little flavor bombs!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands or a scoop (because we want uniformity here), form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on your prepared baking dish—try not to eat half of them before they hit the oven!

Step 4: Bake

Pop those bad boys into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. The tantalizing aroma will have everyone asking if dinner is ready five times before the timer goes off.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While your meatballs are baking away like little culinary soldiers, heat up some marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder for that extra kick!

Step 6: Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them into the warmed sauce. Let them bask in that rich flavor for a couple of minutes before serving. Drizzle with more parmesan and fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Now that you’ve mastered these delightful Baked Meatballs, feel free to experiment! Serve over spaghetti for classic comfort or on crusty bread as sliders at your next gathering! The world—and your taste buds—are your oyster!

Perfecting Baked Meatballs Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked Baked Meatballs, start by mixing your meat and seasonings first. Shape the meatballs while preheating your oven. Then, bake them until golden brown, allowing them to cook evenly without drying out.

Add Your Touch to Baked Meatballs

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Experiment with herbs like basil or parsley, or toss in some grated cheese or chopped veggies for added flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating Baked Meatballs

Store leftover Baked Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave gently to avoid drying them out.

Sometimes I whip up a batch of these meatballs to impress friends at dinner parties, and they always ask for seconds—who knew my secret was just a little Italian seasoning?

FAQs About Baked Meatballs

What are Baked Meatballs?

Baked meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish made by combining ground meat with spices, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Unlike fried or pan-fried meatballs, which can be greasy, baked meatballs offer a healthier option while still delivering exceptional flavor. They can be made from various types of meat, such as beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. spicy cajun chicken bites Once shaped into balls, they are baked in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. Baked meatballs are perfect for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

How do you make Baked Meatballs?

To make baked meatballs, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix together your choice of ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned. Serve them with marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal or enjoy them on their own as a snack. For more inspiration, check out this Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf recipe.

What can I serve with Baked Meatballs?

Baked meatballs pair well with various side dishes and sauces. You can serve them over spaghetti for a traditional meal or place them in sub rolls topped with marinara sauce for hearty sandwiches. For a lighter option, serve them alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. hearty sausage breakfast casserole Additionally, you can create a delicious platter by serving baked meatballs with toothpicks and various dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce or tzatziki for an appetizer at parties.

Can I freeze Baked Meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze baked meatballs to enjoy later! After baking them completely and allowing them to cool down, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour before transferring them to airtight freezer bags or containers. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat the frozen meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion for Baked Meatballs

Baked meatballs are an easy and satisfying dish that brings comfort food to your table without excess grease. With customizable ingredients and numerous serving options, they suit any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner or party appetizer. By following simple steps to prepare these delightful bites and knowing how to store leftovers effectively, you can enjoy delicious baked meatballs anytime. Remember to experiment with flavors and pairings to create your perfect dish! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Baked Meatballs

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• Author: Hannah Reed
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Baked meatballs are a delightful blend of juicy ground beef and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Perfectly cooked in the oven, these flavorful bites serve as an ideal comfort food for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Their adaptable nature allows you to customize them with your favorite ingredients, making each batch unique and satisfying. Whether served over pasta or as sliders, these baked meatballs are sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on the baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. While baking, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in garlic powder.
6. Once meatballs are done, transfer to the warmed sauce and let them soak for a few minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs (140g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 75mg