Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: The foundation of these meatballs, providing a robust flavor and satisfying texture. Opting for ground beef with a bit of fat ensures that the meatballs remain juicy and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together and give them a slightly crispy texture. They absorb the juices and flavors, contributing to the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, savory element that enhances the meatballs’ flavor. It also helps with binding and adds a touch of richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley introduces a burst of color and a subtle, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the meatballs.
- 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together and ensuring that the meatballs don’t fall apart during baking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients and spices.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Oregano adds a warm, earthy note that pairs well with the marinara sauce.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil: Basil offers a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the meatballs.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The marinara sauce is the finishing touch, adding a tangy richness that perfectly complements the meatballs.
Instructions
Instructions on how to make Baked Beef Meatballs with Marinara:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. The uniform size ensures even cooking and helps the meatballs cook at the same rate.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have developed a golden-brown exterior. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Heat Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. This step ensures that the sauce is warm and ready to combine with the meatballs once they are done.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Let them simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce’s flavors and helps meld the flavors together.
- Serve: The meatballs can be served in various ways. Over pasta for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish, on a sub roll with melted cheese for meatball sandwiches, or as a standalone dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 normal portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g