Oven Baked Meatballs Recipe
These Oven Baked Meatballs combine ground pork and beef with flavorful herbs, ricotta cheese, and bacon for moist, tender, and savory meatballs. Simmered in a rich homemade crushed tomato sauce and garnished with Parmesan and parsley, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground pork
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
- 2 oz. raw bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp. ground fennel
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 2 tsp. salt
- pinch of red pepper flakes
Tomato Sauce
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, chopped raw bacon, breadcrumbs, eggs, ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, ground fennel, dried oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure consistent cooking.
- Preheat the Oven and Arrange Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Simmer in Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, pour the crushed tomatoes into a large saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them carefully into the tomato sauce and simmer together for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto plates or a serving dish. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm with pasta, bread, or a side of your choice.
Notes
- For added moisture, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture.
- You can substitute ground pork or beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs but can be replaced with gluten-free alternatives if needed.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover meatballs freeze well; store in an airtight container with sauce.
Find it online: https://crispcharm.com/oven-baked-meatballs-recipe/
