Easy Baked Meatballs

• servings: 36 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt (less if you prefer, but meat loves salt)

1 large egg

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup lukewarm water

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

For the Easy Baked Meatballs:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl combine ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Slowly add the water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing with your hands until everything is just combined. Don't over mix here or it'll make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be very moist but still hold its shape when rolled into meatballs.

Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop about one tablespoon of meat into your palms and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all of the meat.

Place the baking sheet in the oven to bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they're cooked though.

While the meatballs bake, make your marinara!

For the Easy Marinara Sauce:

Heat oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat. Add in the garlic and sauté for one minute, or until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Add in the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and seasoning and stir well to combine. Simmer the sauce for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

When meatballs are done cooking, add them to the sauce, stir to coat, and serve!