Description
These Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish perfect for any occasion. Made from ground beef (or your choice of turkey or chicken), seasoned with Italian herbs, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich marinara sauce, they are crowd-pleasers that pair wonderfully with pasta or as a party snack.
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
Marinara Sauce and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 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 prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a pan over medium heat. Once cooked, either pour the sauce over the meatballs or serve it on the side as a dip. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- Check the internal temperature of meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Fresh basil adds a nice bright flavor as a garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
