Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these irresistible Italian-style meatballs roasted in rich, tangy tomato sauce. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned beef meatballs swimming in a luscious marinara, promising a meal that's both comforting and incredibly delicious. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe will become your new go-to dish that's guaranteed to impress family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Ensure each meatball is compact but not overly compressed.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, leaving a small space between each meatball to allow even cooking.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring each meatball is partially covered with sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the meatballs to brown slightly and the sauce to reduce.
- Remove from oven and let the meatballs rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the internal temperature to stabilize and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips
- • For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined • Use a light touch when forming meatballs to keep them tender and prevent them from becoming tough • Let the meatballs rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to your marinara sauce • If freezing, cool the meatballs completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months • For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs • Serve with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg