Oven Baked Meatballs Recipe
These Oven Baked Meatballs combine ground pork and beef with savory herbs, ricotta, and crispy bacon for a flavorful, tender result. Baked to perfection and simmered in a rich crushed tomato sauce, they make a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for serving over pasta or as a stand-alone dish garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 24 meatballs (serves 6-8)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, and chopped raw bacon. Add breadcrumbs, eggs, ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, ground fennel, dried oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact but not overly dense to maintain tenderness.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
- Simmer in Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs bake, pour the crushed tomatoes into a large skillet or saucepan and heat over medium heat. Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them carefully into the simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook together for an additional 15-20 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the meatballs hot, spooned with the tomato sauce. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, soak breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
- Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs juicy.
- You can substitute ground veal for pork if preferred.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic dish.
- Leftover meatballs freeze well when cooked and sauced; freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Find it online: https://alinacooks.com/oven-baked-meatballs-recipe/
