Easy Baked Meatballs with Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
This Easy Baked Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs baked to perfection and served with a simple yet delicious homemade marinara sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 meatballs (serves approximately 6 people)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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 (optional)
- 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
Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Slowly add the lukewarm water a few tablespoons at a time while mixing with your hands until the mixture is moist but holds together. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop about one tablespoon of meat mixture and roll it into a ball with your palms. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until golden and fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them directly into the marinara sauce and stir gently to coat each meatball with sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Using an ice cream scoop helps to make evenly sized meatballs for even cooking.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce according to your heat preference.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be prepared and baked in advance, then warmed in the sauce before serving.
- Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
