Easy Baked Meatballs – Looking for a mouthwatering side dish that’s both delicious and hassle-free? Your search ends here! Indulge in the world of “Easy Baked Meatballs,” where simplicity meets flavor. This recipe will walk you through creating savory meatballs accompanied by a rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
Imagine an evening in my kitchen as I experiment with ingredients to craft the meatball. The enticing aroma fills the air while my husband and child eagerly await that bite. The sheer joy, on their faces speaks volumes making this recipe an instant hit, with my family.
What makes this Easy Baked Meatballs truly special?
Experience the charm of “Easy Baked Meatballs,” where simplicity meets brilliance. With 15 minutes of effortless preparation, these meatballs redefine convenience without compromising on taste. Their versatility shines through as they make a side dish or steal the spotlight as the star attraction of your Italian-inspired feast. The secret lies in the panade technique ensuring every meatball is juicy and bursting with flavors. What makes them truly exceptional is the blend of ground beef and pork resulting in a balance of textures. As they bake to perfection a luscious layer of melted mozzarella adds a cheesy pull taking these meatballs to heights of taste and texture. Get ready to add these meatballs to your cooking lineup. They’re easy to make, versatile and absolutely delicious.
What You Need To Make This Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe?
Olive Oil: Elevate the richness by choosing a high-quality olive oil—let it dance in the skillet, infusing the onions and garlic with a golden touch of flavor. The oil is your kitchen’s conductor, orchestrating the symphony of tastes in every bite.
Onion: Transform your kitchen into an aromatic haven with finely diced onions. Picture the sizzle as they meet the skillet—each golden piece adds a savory melody, setting the stage for a flavorful meatball experience.
Garlic: Cue the garlic, the culinary virtuoso! Minced to perfection, it weaves its way into the recipe, adding a subtle yet powerful note. Watch as it dances with the onions, creating a harmonious aroma that tantalizes the senses.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Embark on a journey with Italian breadcrumbs—crafted to perfection, they bring a crispy texture and a hint of Italy to each meatball. It’s the secret ingredient that whispers authenticity with every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate your way to indulgence with Parmesan cheese from a block. It’s not just a topping; it’s the storyteller, narrating tales of craftsmanship and flavor. Opt for freshly grated to unlock a world of cheesy goodness.
Dried Oregano: Sprinkle in dried oregano—a dash of Mediterranean sunshine. It’s the aromatic breeze that transports you to Italian hillsides. Let it infuse your meatballs, creating a fragrant journey for your taste buds.
Kosher Salt: Add a pinch of kosher salt—more than a seasoning, it’s the maestro of balance. It harmonizes the flavors, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend, a culinary masterpiece orchestrated by your hands.
Pepper: Grind in pepper, the tiny but mighty spice. It’s the unexpected crescendo, adding a kick that keeps your taste buds on their toes. Let it play its part, creating a symphony of flavors.
Milk: Whisk in milk, the unsung hero of tenderness. It’s the backstage magic, working behind the scenes to keep the meatballs moist and succulent. Every drop contributes to the juiciness that defines perfection.
Egg: Crack open an egg—it’s not just an ingredient; it’s the binding force. Whisked to a silky texture, it brings the meatball ensemble together, ensuring they hold their shape with a touch of velvety elegance.
Ground Beef and Ground Pork: Unite ground beef and pork—the dynamic duo. They bring a textural symphony, each contributing its unique note. It’s a culinary partnership that creates the perfect bite, where juiciness meets a harmonious blend.
Marinara Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce—a liquid masterpiece. It’s the red sea that cradles the meatballs, infusing them with a burst of tomato richness. Choose your favorite brand, letting it be the canvas for your savory creation.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella—watch it melt into a gooey embrace. It’s the final act, the curtain call of cheesy perfection. Let it crown your meatballs, creating a delightful pull that lingers, inviting you to savor each moment.
Fresh Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley—the green flourish. It’s not just a decoration; it’s the closing note, adding a burst of freshness that leaves a lingering melody on your palate. Embrace the herb as the final brushstroke to your culinary masterpiece.
Steps To Make Easy Baked Meatballs:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a pan heat some olive oil. Sauté the onions until they turn golden. Then add the garlic. Cook it briefly. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: In a bowl combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese salt and pepper. In another bowl whisk together the egg and milk. Now mix the dry ingredients together while incorporating the onion garlic mixture to create a paste known as panade.
Step 4: Gently blend the panade with ground meat until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs measuring 1 ½ inches, in diameter.
Step 5: Take a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour three-quarters of the marinara sauce into it. Place the meatballs in the dish. Spoon over the remaining sauce on top.
Step 6: Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that time has passed, remove the cover or foil sprinkle some cheese on top of the meatballs and continue baking for 15 minutes. For that finishing touch with a crust on top broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 7: Before serving this treat of cheesy goodness garnish, with freshly chopped parsley.
Tip:
To add a burst of flavor you can try infusing your olive oil with some crushed cloves before sautéing the onions. This slight trick raises an essence, to the oil creating a fragrant base that enriches the entire meatball experience. The aromatic dance of garlic-infused olive oil will fill your kitchen with an aroma setting the stage for an exceptional journey with these “Easy Baked Meatballs”. This expert recommendation adds a subtle depth, to the dish transforming a simple step into a chef-d’oeuvre.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Of course! You can definitely use ground turkey instead of beef if you’d like a leaner option.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs ahead of time. Refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. It’s a way to have a meal ready when you need it.
What side dishes pair well with Easy Baked Meatballs?
These easy-baked meatballs go well with sides. They can be enjoyed with pasta, a salad or even used as a delicious filling, for sandwiches.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Baked Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 c onion finely diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/3 c Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese grated from a block
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/3 c milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
Sauce + Cheese:
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh Parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- To start heat a skillet and sauté diced onions, in oil until they turn golden. Then add minced garlic. Cook it briefly. Set the mixture aside to cool.
- Next prepare the panade by combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese dried oregano, kosher salt and pepper. In a bowl whisk an egg. Mix it with milk. Combine the dry mixtures together then incorporate the onions and garlic to create a smooth paste (panade).
- In a bowl combine ground beef and pork. Add the mixture. Gently mix everything until just combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs that are 1 ½ inches in size.
- Now it's time to assemble the dish. Take a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Pour three-quarters of the marinara sauce into it. Place the meatballs in the dish. Spoon the remaining sauce over them.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake it for 30 minutes.
- After that remove the foil cover from the dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. If desired you can broil for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a finish on top.
- To complete your Easy Baked Meatballs experience garnish, with parsley while making sure to dab off any grease before serving these delightful cheesy treats!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
