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Easy Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

This Easy Baked Meatballs recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to enjoy homemade Italian-style meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a rich, aromatic marinara sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these moist meatballs combine savory spices, Parmesan cheese, and tender breadcrumbs, then bake in the oven and finish by simmering gently in a homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 36 meatballs
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water

For the Marinara Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Gradually add lukewarm water a few tablespoons at a time while mixing with your hands until the mixture is moist but holds shape. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form Meatballs: Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to portion about one tablespoon of the mixture, then roll it gently into balls. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. Make the Marinara Sauce: While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté about one minute until fragrant and golden. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning, stirring well. Simmer sauce for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them into the simmering marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  7. Serve: Spoon meatballs and sauce onto plates or over pasta, then sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade easy baked meatballs with marinara!

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Adding lukewarm water helps keep the meatballs moist.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a mix for a leaner option.
  • The crushed red pepper flakes are optional for a little heat; omit if you prefer mild sauce.
  • Serve meatballs over spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or as a sandwich for a versatile meal.
  • Make sure meatballs are fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/easy-baked-meatballs-with-marinara-sauce-recipe/