Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
These baked meatballs in marinara sauce are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. They bake evenly in the oven for easy cleanup, then simmer gently in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or simple weeknight meals, this baked meatballs in marinara sauce recipe delivers comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love It
- Juicy and flavorful, baked instead of fried for less mess.
- Easy ingredients — ground beef, Parmesan, herbs, and garlic.
- Perfect with pasta, rice, or served as an appetizer.
- Freezer-friendly for future dinners or meal prep.
Serving Ideas for Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Serve these meatballs over spaghetti, on toasted hoagie rolls for subs, or alongside garlic bread and a green salad. They’re also great for parties — just add toothpicks and serve warm straight from the pan.
Baked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Yield: 6 servings • Prep: 20 min • Cook: 20 min • Total: 40 min
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb (680 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, onion, almond flour, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape and bake. Form into 1½-inch balls (about 30). Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–23 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Simmer in sauce. Warm marinara sauce in a skillet, then add baked meatballs. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Serve. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Enjoy warm!
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until hot throughout.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of beef and pork for the best texture and flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper for a little heat.
- Substitute almond flour with breadcrumbs if not gluten-free.
These baked meatballs in marinara sauce are everything a comforting dinner should be — simple, flavorful, and family-approved. Try serving them over pasta or with crusty garlic bread for a hearty meal. Explore more Dinner Recipes and Appetizer Ideas on Delilo Everyday Tasty Food.
Make It a Meal
Pair these baked meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple Caesar salad for a complete dinner everyone will love. You can also use the meatballs for hearty sandwiches with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce — perfect for busy weeknights. Finish with a light dessert like lemon bars or chocolate mousse for a cozy restaurant-style meal at home.
Final Thoughts
If you love comforting dinners, this baked meatballs in marinara sauce recipe will become one of your go-to family meals. It’s simple, delicious, and full of flavor — perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. Save it, share it, and make your next dinner truly special.
If you tried this baked meatballs in marinara sauce recipe, leave a comment and tell us how it turned out — we love hearing from our readers!
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