Description
Delicious meatballs with a cheesy center, enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.1 lb ground beef or a blend of beef and pork
- 2/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- Cooked spaghetti or gluten-free pasta, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 16 to 18 golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in additional minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Transfer the baked meatballs into the marinara sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For added convenience, prepare meatballs a day in advance or freeze them for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 170mg