Name: Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup lukewarm water; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons italian seasoning; extra parmesan cheese, for serving

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Baked meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, combining savoriness, heartiness, and convenience in each tender bite. This easy baked meatball recipe features juicy, flavorful meatballs paired with a rich, homemade marinara sauce that’ll remind you of your favorite Italian dinner. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the warm blend of spices and the perfect texture that outshines any store-bought version. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to bring family together, especially when you serve it alongside spaghetti, or in a sub sandwich.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)

Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)

I discovered this baked meatball recipe during a cozy evening spent experimenting in the kitchen, longing for something nostalgic yet satisfying. Making meatballs from scratch may seem daunting, but trust me, this method is so simple and rewarding. They come out perfectly baked in the oven, giving you time to whip up that marinara sauce without any hassle. So grab your apron and get ready to create a dish that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Irresistible Flavor: Each meatball bursts with savory goodness and a hint of garlic, making them hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Browned meatballs in luscious marinara look beautiful and feel festive.
Flexible Serving: Great served over pasta, in a sandwich, or just on their own as appetizers.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef: The basis for your savory meatballs; choose a blend with some fat for juiciness. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a wonderful and warming depth of flavor; you can use fresh garlic if you prefer a more robust taste.
2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the savory profile, leaving little pinches of sweetness; fresh onions can be used, but they may alter the moisture content.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This blend brings a delightful mix of herbs, but feel free to use dried basil and oregano instead.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a little kick; adjust according to your taste preferences.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor—don’t skip it! Reduce if you’re watching your sodium.
1 large egg: Binds everything together; if you want a vegan option, a flax egg works well.
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds richness and flavor; pre-grated is convenient, but fresh is tastier.
1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Gives structure to the meatballs; use gluten-free options if needed for any dietary restrictions.
1/2 cup lukewarm water: Keeps the meat mixture moist; adjust for desired consistency.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté garlic for the marinara sauce; feel free to substitute with avocado oil.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is always better for deeper flavor.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a bit of heat; leave it out if spice isn’t your thing.
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of your sauce; you can use diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Again for flavoring; adjust per taste.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes for a well-rounded sauce.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Repeat from the meatballs for consistency in seasoning.
Extra parmesan cheese for serving: Because we can always use more cheese!

How to Make Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)

Preheat your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, and 1/3 cup breadcrumbs. Slowly add in 1/2 cup lukewarm water a few tablespoons at a time, mixing gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs: Scoop about one tablespoon of the meat mixture into your hands, gently rolling it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Continue this process until all the meat is shaped into meatballs.
Bake the Meatballs: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
Make the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat. Add in the 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. If you love a bit of heat, this is the moment to sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting seasoning to your taste.
Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are perfectly baked, gently transfer them to the marinara sauce, stirring them to coat deliciously. Serve over pasta, in a sub, or simply enjoy them as they are with extra parmesan on top!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover meatballs can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerated in an airtight container for about 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When it comes time to reheat, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until heated through, keeping in mind that freezing may alter the texture somewhat; a splash of water in the container can help refresh them.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid tough meatballs by mixing gently; just combine enough to hold together.
Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification into the meat mixture.
When shaping the meatballs, wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking.
Brown bits on the pan lend beautiful flavor, so don’t skip the baking sheet!
Make a double batch for meal prep; leftovers make amazing sandwiches!
For a twist, add chopped herbs like parsley or basil straight into your meatball mixture.

Nothing beats the flavor of homemade baked meatballs, especially when you can enjoy them fresh from the oven along with a side of pasta or on their own with marinara. This baked meatball recipe is a versatile, comforting dish that brings warmth to the dining table. Feel free to adjust spices or include personal touches—the beauty of cooking at home lies in the freedom to experiment! You’ll love the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your meal and enjoying every delicious bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Pork can also add extra flavor if mixed in with beef.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

To make gluten-free meatballs, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients should already be gluten-free, but just check labels to be sure.

Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?

Yes! You can shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet, freeze them for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I serve with baked meatballs?

These baked meatballs are delicious served with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or even on their own with some garlic bread and a refreshing salad for a complete meal.