meatballs in oven recipe

meatballs in oven recipe

The Best meatballs in oven recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: meatballs in the oven. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether we’re having a big family gathering or just a simple weeknight dinner, these meatballs are always a hit.

My kids love helping me make them, and I love how easy they are to prepare. The best part is that they’re incredibly versatile – we can serve them as an appetizer, as a main course, or even as a snack. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – these meatballs are made with lean ground turkey and packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and feta cheese.

Plus, they’re baked in the oven instead of deep-fried, making them a much healthier option. I’ve also included some fun tips on how to customize them to your taste preferences, from adding different herbs and spices to using various types of cheese and bread crumbs. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious results with your loved ones!

I’ve made this recipe countless times, but it never gets old. In fact, it’s become such a staple in our household that I’ve started making double batches so we can freeze some for later use. It’s really that good!

I’ve found that using lean ground turkey works wonders in keeping the meatballs moist and flavorful. And don’t even get me started on the flavor profile – it’s like a party in your mouth! With the perfect balance of savory and sweet notes, these meatballs will leave you wanting more.

And trust me, they’ll be gone in no time if you have kids around! My family loves them almost as much as I do.

Baked Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Baked Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

4.9 from 557 votes

Tender meatballs baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is a hearty and comforting meal. Serve with pasta or crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

For the Sauce

1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Preheat oven to 375Β°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
3Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, rolling them gently between your hands.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
8Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautΓ©ing until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
10Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
11Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
12Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
13After the meatballs have baked for 20 minutes, carefully remove them from the oven.
14Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs, ensuring each meatball is well coated.
15Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are heated through.
16Use a spoon to baste the meatballs with the sauce occasionally during the last few minutes of baking.
17Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes.
18This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the meatballs to absorb some of the flavors.
19Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish, and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
20Serve the meatballs hot, with pasta or crusty bread on the side.

πŸ”§Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 8g❀️Cholesterol: 100mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5gπŸ₯©Protein: 25g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Baked Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Works

These oven-baked meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser at our gatherings – whether we’re serving them as an appetizer or main course, everyone raves about their juicy texture and incredible flavor profile!

Not only are they super easy to make (no messy frying pans required!)

, but they also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing any quality – just thaw overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave for an instant meal prep solution.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Q: What type of meat should I use for meatballs?

A: You can use either beef or pork for meatballs, but I highly recommend using lean ground turkey instead – it’s lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier option. Plus, the flavor is amazing!

Q: Can I make these meatballs in advance?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

Q: How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

A: To prevent this from happening, make sure to handle the meat mixture gently when shaping your meatballs – don’t overwork it or press too hard on them when forming into balls. Also, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; leave some space between each ball for even cooking.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese or herbs in my meatballs?

A: Oh yes! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients – parmesan cheese pairs well with parsley or basil; try mixing it with garlic powder for an extra boost of flavor! For those looking for something lighter, mozzarella or feta work beautifully too.

Similar Posts