Baked Meatballs in Sauce is a classic comfort food dish that is always a winner with the whole family. The tender homemade meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melty cheesy goodness. What more could you want from a meal?
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Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe
Let's be honest, meatballs are a timeless comfort food, a family favorite dinner for kids and adults alike. They are a blank canvas for many flavors, you can dress them up or keep them classic.
Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways. While this classic Italian is always a favorite, if you are feeling a little adventurous, give these Crockpot Moroccan Style Meatballs a try next time.
What do you need to make baked meatballs?
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
FAQs
Yes, you can! However, I like to pre-bake them in the oven because it gives them a nice and crispy exterior while still allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy. If you don’t have one, cut one meatball open—it should be cooked through with no pink in the center.
When it comes to making meatballs, I like to use 80/20 for the best flavor and texture.
Baked Meatballs in Sauce
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
For the sauce:
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F, line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the meatballs ingredients except for the meat. Mix well.
- Add in the ground beef and mix well to combine.
- Using a two tablespoons ice cream scoop roll the meatballs into smooth balls then place in the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, meatballs should be brown on the surface but still not fully cooked.
- Take the baking sheet out and lower the heat to 35F.
- Pour marinara sauce into a 13x9 baking dish and place the meatballs in the sauce and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle both cheese on top and return to oven.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until cheese melts.
Nutrition
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What variations can you make to these meatballs?
- Swap the protein! While this recipe traditionally uses ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with seasonings! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat or a dash of Italian seasoning to deepen the flavor.
- Try different cheeses! While mozzarella and parmesan are classic, you could mix in provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkling of feta for a unique twist.
- You can make it gluten-free by swapping out the breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative.
Amira's tips
- When mixing the beef for the meatballs, do not overwork the meat. Overworking it can result in tough and dense meatballs.
- I like to line my baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier and so the meatballs don't stick to the pan.
- When you put your meatballs on the baking sheet, remember to space them out so that they have enough room to cook evenly.
Storage and reheating tip
Refrigerate - Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze - Freeze the meatballs in sauce in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat - To reheat, simply pop the meatballs into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also heat them up on the stove in a saucepan.
How to Make Meatballs Ahead?
Want to save a little time on meal prep? You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure that you use fresh ground beef.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
While a traditional pairing for meatballs is on top of a bed of cooked spaghetti noodles, you can also serve it with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or make mini meatball subs with these Fluffy Buttery Dinner Rolls. Still looking for ideas? Check out my ideas on What To Serve With Meatballs. You are bound to find something your family will love.
You'll also like
Are you looking to add more meatballs and meatloaves to your meal plan? I've got some tasty recipes for you. Check out these Crockpot BBQ Jelly Meatballs, Bison Meatballs, or Gluten-Free Meatballs. They will all be a hit with the entire family.
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