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Easy Baked Meatballs
5 from 255 votes

Easy Baked Meatballs

Easy Baked Meatballs are made by mixing ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and lukewarm water to form moist meatballs. They are baked at high heat until cooked through. A simple marinara sauce of sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning accompanies the meatballs. This method yields flavorful meatballs with a balanced seasoning and a tender texture.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 36 meatballs (3 dozen)
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

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 black pepper ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt (less if you prefer, but meat loves salt)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup water lukewarm
For the Easy Marinara Sauce: 
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, crushed
  • 1 ounce crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Parmesan Cheese extra, for serving

Instructions

For the Easy Baked Meatballs:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. Place the baking sheet in the oven to bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they're cooked though.
  5. While the meatballs bake, make your marinara!
For the Easy Marinara Sauce: 
  1. 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.
  2. When meatballs are done cooking, add them to the sauce, stir to coat, and serve!