Recipe Bite Video - OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

Tender meatballs just like your Italian grandma would make, in a fraction of the time. A simple mix of ground beef, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese form these meatballs that get baked in the oven before taking a quick simmer in your favorite marinara sauce. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Sara Mellas.

11 Ingredients

Ingredients

Servings

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Grate or press the garlic cloves into a large mixing bowl. Add the beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Using clean hands, mix the ingredients until just combined.

Divide the meat mixture into 36 balls, about 1 inch in diameter and 1.5 oz. each, and place on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the meatballs on middle rack of oven until cooked through, 16-17 minutes.

Check to see that meatballs are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Transfer the meatballs to a large pot and pour in the marinara sauce. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce until heated through, 3-5 minutes.

Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and top with the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if you like. Serve immediately.

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Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Breadcrumb Moisture Magic 💦
Soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing with meat to create incredibly tender, juicy meatballs that won't dry out during baking.
Uniform Size Matters 🥄
Use a cookie scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure consistent sizing, which guarantees even cooking and professional-looking results.
Cheese Grating Pro Tip 🧀
Always grate Parmesan cheese fresh - pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your meatballs dry and less flavorful.
Gentle Mixing Technique 🤲
Mix meatball ingredients with a light touch using your fingertips, avoiding overworking the meat to prevent tough, dense meatballs.
Marinara Simmering Secret 🍲
After baking, let meatballs simmer in marinara sauce for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavor and become wonderfully tender.