Baked Meatballs with Rich Marinara Sauce for a Cozy Dinner

By Olivia HayesSep 23, 2026

Baked meatballs are a dinner classic that promises flavorful, juicy bites in a comforting marinara sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or gathering with friends, this dish showcases tender meatballs enhanced by a medley of secret seasonings and fresh Parmesan. Pair them with spaghetti, serve them in a sub, or enjoy them solo for a satisfying experience. The aroma alone will make your kitchen inviting and warm.

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Prep 15 minCook 15 minTotal 30 minEasy4 servings

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Gradually mix in lukewarm water until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.

Roll about one tablespoon of the mixture into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.

If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning, stirring well.

Simmer the sauce for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once meatballs are done, gently toss them in the marinara sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Baked Meatballs with Rich Marinara Sauce for a Cozy Dinner

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Dinner Italian One Pot

Baked Meatballs with Rich Marinara Sauce for a Cozy Dinner

Name: Baked Meatballs with Rich Marinara Sauce for a Cozy Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (use lean for healthier option); 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1 large egg (acts as a binder); 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 0.33 cup breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup lukewarm water; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity); 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning; extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

By Olivia HayesSep 23, 2026

0(0)

Prep 15 minCook 15 minTotal 30 minEasy4 servings

Ingredients

Servings4

•1 pound ground beef (use lean for healthier option)
•2 teaspoons garlic powder
•2 teaspoons onion powder
•1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
•0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
•0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
•1 large egg (acts as a binder)
•0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
•0.33 cup breadcrumbs
•0.5 cup lukewarm water
•3 tablespoons olive oil
•2 cloves garlic (minced)
•0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
•1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
•0.5 teaspoon salt
•1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
•1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
•extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, egg, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
3
Gradually mix in lukewarm water until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.
4
Roll about one tablespoon of the mixture into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
6
While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat.
7
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.
8
If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes.
9
Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
10
Simmer the sauce for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11
Once meatballs are done, gently toss them in the marinara sauce.
12
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.