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Baked Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

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Juicy meatballs simmered in rich marinara and baked with melted cheese, served hot and bubbly with crusty bread—an Italian comfort classic perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the marinara and baking:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
  • Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or clay casserole dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan, milk, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. In a baking dish, spread marinara sauce and nestle the meatballs into the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle with mozzarella and additional parmesan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm crusty bread or pasta.

Notes

  • Use a mixture of beef and pork for best flavor and texture.
  • Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen before baking in sauce.
  • Substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • Serve over spaghetti for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked meatballs, Italian meatballs, marinara meatballs, cheesy meatballs, comfort food

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/baked-italian-meatballs-in-marinara-sauce/