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Easy Italian Meatballs Recipe

Easy Italian Meatballs

These Easy Italian Meatballs are perfect for a comforting meal. They are tender, flavorful, and can be enjoyed with a variety of sides.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion finely minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar optional
  • olive oil for baking
For the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • cup red wine optional, or use broth/water
  • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 14-oz can tomato sauce
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • salt + black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish
  • grated Parmesan for serving

Equipment

  • Oven-safe Skillet
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 410°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef, minced onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
  3. Using about 2-3 teaspoons of mixture per meatball, roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Meatballs do not need to be cooked through at this point.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  7. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
  8. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and brown sugar. Let simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce, making sure they are evenly coated.
  10. Cover with lid for a thinner sauce or leave uncovered for a thicker sauce. Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
  11. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving. Serve over spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Notes

These meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides. Adjust the seasoning to taste and feel free to add extra herbs for more flavor.