Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly golden, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, tangy balsamic tomato sauce that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. These aren't just ordinary meatballs – they're a culinary experience that combines classic Italian flavors with a modern, health-conscious baking technique. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a comforting meal that's both delicious and easy to prepare, these Baked Meatballs in Balsamic Tomato Sauce are about to become your new favorite recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups balsamic tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 12-14 meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, warm the balsamic tomato sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once meatballs are cooked, carefully transfer them into the warm balsamic tomato sauce, gently coating each meatball.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: Always mix meatball ingredients with your hands to ensure even distribution and prevent overworking the meat, which can make them tough.
- Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatballs that cook evenly. This ensures consistent texture and cooking time.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Sauce Absorption: Letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes allows them to soak up extra flavor and become even more tender.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
- Customization Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 324kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 114mg
