Ingredients:
For the Meatballs: 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup milk 1 large egg 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For the Sauce: 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste For Serving: Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta Instructions: Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, milk, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Add oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce. Serve: Serve the meatballs over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish (optional): Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your incredible baked meatballs!
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat.