Easy Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe
During the winter, one of my favorite things to make for dinner are meatballs! Not sure why but I associate meatballs with winter food, it’s probably because of how comforting they are! These meatballs are so simple to make, but they are full of flavor! This recipe requires a simple list of ingredients and very little effort, making it perfect for weeknight meals! Who can turn down a bowl of meatballs in marinara sauce?
Easy To Make Simple Ingredient List Juicy & Flavorful Versatile & Comforting Baked Not Fried Come Complete With Marinara Sauce
Meatballs
Meat – I used ground beef but many times I like to use a combination of ground pork and ground beef. Feel free to use one or other, or chicken or turkey! Breadcrumbs – For these Italian meatballs I chose classic Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, but plain or even Panko breadcrumbs will work. These are going to help bind the meatballs together. Egg – The egg is also going to act as a binding agent for our meatballs. Parmesan Cheese – I recommend using freshly grated parmesan. Seasoning – Smoked paprika, chili powder (optional), salt and pepper. Milk – Any type will do! Dairy or non dairy. Basil – Dried basil is what we need for this recipe! You can also add other herbs such as dried parsley or oregano.
Sauce
Butter – I always use unsalted to control the sodium level! Onion And Garlic – Essential flavor enhancers to any homemade sauce. Tomato Sauce – This is the base for our marinara sauce. Sugar – To balance the flavors in the sauce, it helps cut through the acidity from the tomatoes. Beef Broth – You can substitute this with some good red wine.
What Type Of Meat Can I Use?
I’ve made meatballs out of chicken, turkey, beef, and pork! Any of these proteins can be used, just keep in mind the more fat in the meat, the juicer the meatball! Pork and beef are most commonly used because of how fatty they are, which is why some people may find chicken or turkey meatballs dry. It all depends on the type of meat and cook time!
Can I Make These In Advance?
Absolutely! Meatballs are great to make ahead and freeze for easy future meals. Scroll down to the Storing section for full instructions on how to store your meatballs and sauce in the freezer.
How To Serve
Serve over pasta for a classic spaghetti and meatball dinner, over mashed potatoes, or eat the whole bowl as is! However you choose to serve these Italian meatballs, it’ll be a winning dinner for sure.
Storing
These Italian meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.
Freezing
You can also freeze these meatballs with the marinara sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
More Great Recipes To Try
Meatball Parmesan Firecracker Chicken Meatballs Healthy Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Cheesy Chicken Meatball Rolls Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce Butter Chicken Meatballs Italian Meatloaf Ricotta Meatballs
