The Best Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Are you tired of bland, store-bought meatballs? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious Italian-inspired dish? Look no further! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make the best baked Italian meatballs that are easy to make and packed with flavor.

The Secret to Making the Best Baked Italian Meatballs

The key to making the best baked Italian meatballs is to use a combination of ground meats, herbs, and spices. We’re talking about a mix of ground beef, pork, and Italian seasonings, plus a dash of garlic and breadcrumbs for added texture.

What You’ll Need

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 pound ground pork
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Drizzle the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re all coated.
6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
7. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
8. Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Why This Recipe Rocks

* Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have delicious baked Italian meatballs on the table in no time.
* Customizable: Want to add some extra flavor? Try adding some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mixture.
* Perfect for pasta: Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian-inspired dish.
* Make-ahead friendly: You can make the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

And there you have it – the best baked Italian meatballs recipe that’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for pasta. With this recipe, you’ll be impressing your friends and family with a delicious Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, get cooking, and buon appetito!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these meatballs in a skillet instead of the oven?
A: Yes, you can! Simply heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the meatballs, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.

Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A: Yes, you can! Simply place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make these meatballs in advance?
A: Yes, you can! Simply prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meatball mixture?
A: Yes, you can! Try adding some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mixture for added flavor and texture.