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Meatballs in a dutch oven with marinara sauce and cheese on top.

Easy Baked Meatballs

Ashley Manila
If you've been looking for a simple recipe for Easy Baked Meatballs, you'll love this recipe! Made with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, plenty of spices, eggs, breadcrumbs, and water. Once you make meatballs in the oven, you'll never want to make them another way!
4.97 from 92 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 36 meatballs (3 dozen)

Ingredients
 

For the Easy Baked 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 (less if you prefer, but meat loves salt)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water

For the Easy Marinara Sauce: 

  • 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

Instructions
 

For the Easy Baked Meatballs:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Slowly add the water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing with your hands until everything is just combined. Don't over mix here or it'll make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be very moist but still hold its shape when rolled into meatballs.
  • Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop about one tablespoon of meat into your palms and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all of the meat. 
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven to bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they're cooked though.
  • While the meatballs bake, make your marinara!

For the Easy Marinara Sauce: 

  • Heat oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat. Add in the garlic and sauté for one minute, or until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Add in the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and seasoning and stir well to combine. Simmer the sauce for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • When meatballs are done cooking, add them to the sauce, stir to coat, and serve!

Video

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