Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a main dish. These bite-sized meatballs are baked to perfection and served with a savory marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
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
Sauce & Garnish
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- 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 for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a pan. Once the meatballs are done, either pour the warm marinara sauce over them or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Check meatballs for doneness with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
