homemade Baked Meatballs with fresh marinara

Homemade baked meatballs with fresh marinara sauce make for a delicious and comforting meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (you can also use a mix of beef, pork, and/or veal)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs:
   • Shape the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, using your hands to roll them gently and evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
   • Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

For the Marinara Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

To Serve:

• Once the meatballs are done baking and the marinara sauce is ready, serve the meatballs hot with the fresh marinara sauce spooned over the top.
• Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and freshness.
• Serve the baked meatballs and marinara sauce over cooked pasta, spaghetti squash, or enjoy them on their own.

This homemade baked meatballs with fresh marinara sauce recipe is sure to become a family favorite for cozy dinners or special occasions!