Easy Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

These easy baked meatballs are a delicious and simple comfort food recipe perfect for any weeknight dinner. Made with ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, these meatballs are baked to perfection, ensuring they’re juicy and flavorful. Paired with a rich, homemade marinara sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, this meal will quickly become a family favorite. The meatballs are served with Parmesan cheese for an added touch of creamy goodness. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this baked meatball recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy!

Ingredients:

For the Easy Baked Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to preference)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water

For the Easy 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 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

For the Easy Baked Meatballs:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Gradually add the lukewarm water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing gently with your hands until just combined. The mixture should be moist but still hold its shape when rolled into balls. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs may become tough.
3. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop about one tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
4. Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and lightly golden brown.

For the Easy Marinara Sauce:

1. While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant and golden.
2. Add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly:

1. Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the marinara sauce and stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Serve the meatballs and sauce with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Baked Meatballs are the perfect weeknight dinner. They’re juicy, flavorful, and bake up quickly for a no-fuss meal. With a simple marinara sauce that’s bursting with garlic and Italian seasoning, this dish will satisfy your craving for comfort food without the hassle.

Tips

• For even juicier meatballs, don’t overmix the meat mixture. It should be moist but just hold together when rolled into balls.
• If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes after baking.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
• Add some red wine to the marinara sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils to create a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
• Add Vegetables: You can incorporate finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrients.

FAQs

Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, meatballs can be frozen either before or after baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, bake from frozen or reheat in sauce.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Absolutely! For a quicker option, use a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce, but adding your own garlic and seasonings will make the sauce even better.

Serving

These Easy Baked Meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or a side of garlic bread. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks and extra marinara for dipping.

Suggestions

• For a hearty meal, serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
• Leftovers can be used in sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch the next day.
• Make it a meal by adding a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.