## Irresistible Baked Meatballs Recipe: A Flavorful Delight for Every Occasion

### IntroductionIf you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this irresistible **baked mea……

### Introduction

If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this irresistible **baked meatballs recipe**. These tender, juicy meatballs are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making them a perfect choice for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or even game day snacks. In this guide, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meatball game to the next level.

### Ingredients

To create the perfect **baked meatballs recipe**, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)

- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style for extra zest)

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1 large egg

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

- Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

### Preparation Steps

1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and develop a delightful golden crust.

2. **Mix the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

3. **Form the Meatballs**: Once your mixture is well combined, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

4. **Bake**: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). For an extra touch, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

5. **Serve**: While the meatballs are baking, warm your marinara sauce in a saucepan. Once the meatballs are done, serve them with the sauce drizzled on top or as a side for dipping. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

### Creative Serving Suggestions

This **baked meatballs recipe** is incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with how you serve them:

- **Meatball Subs**: Place the baked meatballs in a toasted sub roll, top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious meatball sub.

- **Pasta Dish**: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, drizzled with marinara sauce for a comforting meal.

- **Appetizer Platter**: Arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for a perfect appetizer at your next gathering.

- **Meatball Pizza**: Chop up the meatballs and scatter them over a pizza base with marinara sauce and cheese for a unique twist on pizza night.

### Conclusion

This **baked meatballs recipe** is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table. With their tender texture and rich flavors, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a dish that's as satisfying as it is delicious!