Description
Delicious mini meatballs baked to perfection and served with a rich marinara sauce, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This easy recipe takes just 30 minutes and yields a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Marinara Sauce & Garnish
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, rolling them between your hands. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked through safely.
- Serve: While the meatballs bake, gently heat the marinara sauce in a pan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, serve them topped with warm marinara sauce or use the sauce as a dipping option. Garnish generously with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor and appeal.
Notes
- Use lean ground meat to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
- Check meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach safe internal temperature.
- Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
