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Italian Baked Ground Beef Meatballs

Italian Baked Ground Beef Meatballs for Cozy Family Dinners

These Italian Baked Ground Beef Meatballs are a flavorful and comforting dish for a cozy family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 meatballs
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Cookie scoop

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound Ground Beef Opt for 80/20 to 85/15 fat content.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for extra zest.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can substitute with finely minced onions.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Use fresh herbs for a vibrant twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to personal taste.
  • 1 large Egg Essential binding agent.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano.
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Panko can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup Water Keeps the mixture moist.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For greasing the baking sheet.

For the Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing garlic.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Freshly chopped.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to spice tolerance.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar To balance acidity.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Toss in just before serving.

Instructions
 

Meatballs Preparation

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare it for baking those delicious meatballs.
  • Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • Add Water: Gradually mix in water until the ingredients are combined. Be gentle to avoid overmixing.
  • Shape Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 16-20 portions, roll each into a perfect meatball shape, and place them on a greased baking sheet.
  • Bake: Cook the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until nicely browned with an internal temperature of 160°F.

Sauce Preparation

  • Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Combine: Add the baked meatballs to your sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve: Plate the meatballs over pasta or polenta, garnished with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added burst of color.
Keyword Comfort Food, easy recipes, family dinners, Italian Baked Ground Beef Meatballs, meal prep, meatballs