Baked meatballs

Baked meatballs are a delicious and healthy alternative to their fried counterparts. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. In this article, we’ll show you how to make baked meatballs that are flavorful, moist, and perfect for any occasion.

— Ingredients Needed :

Meatballs:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated from a block
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 lbs. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground pork

Sauce + Cheese:

• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh Parsley, to garnish

— How To Make it :

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2:

Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Set aside and let cool.

Step 3:

Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper and set aside.

Step 4:

Crack an egg in a small bowl and whisk it. Add the milk and whisk to combine.

Step 5:

Combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture to form a smooth paste.

Step 6:

Mix in the onions and garlic. (This is called a panade and keeps the juiciness and flavor intact while the meatballs cook.)

Step 7:

Add the meat to a large bowl and top with the panade. Use your hands and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs will be tough.

Roll into 1 ½ inch meatballs.

Step 8:

Pour ¾ of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Add the meatballs. Spoon remaining sauce over the top.

Step 9:

Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover and top with cheese. Bake 15 more minutes. Broil for additional 1-2 minutes at the end if desired.

Step 10:

Use a paper towel to carefully dab off any excess grease on the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

— Pro Tips:

• To make the meatballs extra juicy, add some grated onion or finely chopped mushrooms to the mixture.
• If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or panko breadcrumbs.
• If you want to add some extra flavor to the meatballs, try mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or feta cheese.
• If you’re short on time, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Simply place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

— Make Ahead Method:

To make this recipe ahead of time, follow these steps:

1. Make the meatball mixture as directed.
2. Shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When you’re ready to cook the meatballs, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake as directed.

— Nutrition Information:

One serving (4 meatballs) of this recipe contains approximately:

Calories: 300

Total Fat: 16g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 105mg

Sodium: 470mg

Total Carbohydrates: 9g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 28g

In conclusion, baked meatballs are a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a family gathering. With this recipe, you can create perfectly seasoned and moist meatballs that are sure to please your taste buds. So, go ahead and give them a try!

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