BAKED MEATBALLS

Baked Meatballs are a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer, served atop pasta for a hearty meal, or tucked into a sandwich for a satisfying lunch. Made with a flavorful blend of Italian sausage and ground beef, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with savory goodness. Paired with a rich and aromatic marinara sauce, they are sure to please the whole family.

Why Make Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. By baking the meatballs in the oven, you can achieve a golden brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. Plus, by making your own marinara sauce from scratch, you can control the ingredients and customize the flavor to suit your taste preferences.

How to Make Baked Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Italian sausage, ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, minced onion, minced garlic, milk, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients together with your hands until just combined.
3. Use a small cookie scoop for consistent portioning and roll the mixture into slightly over 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet as you roll them.
4. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the baked meatballs with marinara sauce hot, garnished with additional chopped fresh basil if desired. Enjoy them on their own as an appetizer, over cooked pasta for a classic Italian meal, or stuffed into a sub roll for a delicious sandwich.

Storage Info

Baked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with marinara sauce over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Some Techniques or Tips

• Be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients together until just combined.
• For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking them in the oven. This will add a rich caramelized crust to the meatballs.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the onion and garlic in a food processor before adding them to the meatball mixture.

Variation

Feel free to customize the recipe by using different types of ground meat or adding additional herbs and spices to the meatball mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.

FAQs about Baked Meatballs

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?
   • Yes, you can freeze the unbaked meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen meatballs on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce if you’re short on time. Just be sure to choose a high-quality sauce with a flavor profile you enjoy.
3. Can I omit the cheese from the meatball mixture?
   • Yes, you can omit the Parmesan cheese if you prefer. However, the cheese adds flavor and helps bind the meatballs together, so you may need to adjust the seasoning and texture accordingly.

For ingredients and comprehensive cooking instructions, please proceed to the next page or click the open button (>)—and be sure to share with your Facebook friends!