Take your weeknight dinners up a notch with this easy and elegant baked meatballs recipe smothered in marinara sauce. These meatballs are incredibly tender and flavorful and made with ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Whether you serve them over pasta, stuff them into a hearty sub, or enjoy them alone, this dish is versatile and guaranteed to impress.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This baked meatballs recipe is the ultimate solution for quick, satisfying meals. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and versatile enough to enjoy over pasta, in sandwiches, or as a standalone dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead, it’s a stress-free way to elevate your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the meatballs: Ground beef forms the flavorful base, while Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, onion, garlic, and parsley add moisture and richness. The addition of salt, paprika, and ground coriander enhances the flavor with depth and a subtle kick.
For the sauce: Marinara sauce ties the dish together with its savory and tangy notes, perfectly complementing the meatballs.
How to Make Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
- Prepare the mixture:In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, and seasonings until well combined. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls, approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter, and arrange them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Simmer in sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a skillet, add the baked meatballs, and let them simmer for 5–10 minutes to soak up the rich flavors.
5. Serve and enjoy: Pair the meatballs with pasta, crusty bread, or serve them as an appetizer with a side of marinara.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta Pairing: Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal.
- Sub Sandwich: Pile them into hoagie rolls, smother them with marinara, and top with melted mozzarella for the ultimate meatball sub.
- Appetizer: Serve these meatballs as a crowd-pleasing tapas-style dish on a platter with toothpicks, paired with marinara sauce for dipping, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Best Tips for the Best Meatballs
Here are some tips to make the best-Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce:F
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality ground beef make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Gently combine the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and avoid a tough texture.
- Shape evenly: Make sure your meatballs are uniform in size for even baking.
- Simmer in sauce: After baking, let the meatballs simmer in the marinara sauce for a few minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- No oven: Pan-fry the meatballs until browned, then simmer them in the marinara sauce on the stove for a convenient and tasty meal.
If this baked meatballs recipe has you inspired, you’ll love exploring other delicious oven dishes like Soy and Garlic Chicken Wings, Lemon Butter Baked Salmon, Sriracha Chicken Wings, and Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs. Each recipe is simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for making any mealtime special.
Recipe Variations
- Mix the meats: Use a blend of ground pork and beef for extra richness, or try ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Gluten-free alternative: Swap almond flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add a cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
- Herb swap: Use basil or oregano in place of parsley for a new flavor profile.
Storing Your Meatballs
- Refrigerator: Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them with the sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Warm on the stovetop in marinara sauce or heat gently in the microwave for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long To Bake Meatballs At 350°F/375°F
At 350°F (175°C): Bake meatballs for approximately 25–30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
At 375°F (190°C): Bake meatballs for about 18–20 minutes, as the higher temperature will cook them faster while still ensuring a tender texture.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Definitely! While marinara is a classic choice, you can use a creamy Alfredo sauce, a spicy arrabbiata, or even a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce to change things up.
Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 5% fat
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 5 tbsp almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
Instructions
- Start by Setting your oven to 360°F (182°C).
Mix Ingredients:
- Then in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan, almond flour, egg, chopped onion, garlic, most of the parsley (save a small amount for garnish), salt, paprika, and coriander. Mix well until the mixture is uniform.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally, lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
Form Meatballs:
- With damp hands, form the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, and simmer together for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Notes
- Pasta Pairing: Serve these flavorful meatballs over a bed of freshly cooked spaghetti or your
favorite pasta. - Sub Sandwich: Scoop them into hoagie rolls, top with more marinara and melted cheese,
and broil for a delicious meatball sub. - Appetizer: Offer them as an appetizer with toothpicks and a side of marinara dipping sauce.
