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–+ servings
bite size easy baked meatballs

Easy Homemade Baked Meatballs (Lunchbox Favorite!)

These Easy Homemade Baked Meatballs (Lunchbox Favorite!) are delicious, easy to cook, and versatile. Serve them as a snack with a dipping sauce on game day, with your favorite sauce and pasta for dinner or lunch at home or school.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Brazilian, Italian
Keyword: best baked meatballs with marinara sauce, easy baked meatballs, homemade meatballs, lunchbox meatballs, meatballs and pasta recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 30 mini meatballs
Calories: 61kcal
Author: Carol Pecora

Equipment

Ingredients  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain unseasoned
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning or dry parsley, or oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
Marinara Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 28 oz canned tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs

  • Preheat oven to 425F and prepare a medium baking sheet (grease with olive oil or line with parchment paper).
  • Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and combine using your hands until forms a paste.
  • Mold the meatball mixture using a small scoop (about 1 tbsp). Don’t overmix, you want tender meatballs!
  • Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).

Easy Marinara Sauce

  • Add the canned tomatoes to a food processor or blender, and blend until all the large pieces of tomatoes turn into a thick sauce.
  • Heat a deep large skillet or pan over medium heat.
  • Add the olive oil, pressed garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add the blended canned tomatoes and cook on low for about 10 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  • Add sugar and mix. Adjust salt if necessary.
  • Add baked meatballs to the simmering sauce and serve over your favorite pasta!

Notes

  • Don't Skip the Olive Oil: Moisture is crucial for juicy and soft meatballs.
  • Don't overwork your meat mixture or pack the meatballs too tightly, or your meatballs will turn out rubbery and dry.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Homemade Baked Meatballs (Lunchbox Favorite!)
Amount per Serving
Calories
61
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
17
mg
6
%
Sodium
 
162
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
129
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
72
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
31
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @goldenbearmama on Instagram!