Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Prepare the Meatball Mixture – In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
3️⃣ Form the Meatballs – Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place evenly on the baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake – Transfer to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F (74°C)).
5️⃣ Serve – Heat the marinara sauce in a pan, then pour over the meatballs or serve as a dip. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
✔ Cheesy surprise – Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella for a melty center.
✔ Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
✔ Go gluten-free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
✔ Herb boost – Add fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
✔ Different meats – Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
✔ Skillet method – Pan-fry meatballs in olive oil over medium heat until browned.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
