Incredible Baked Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (you can also use a mixture of beef and pork for added flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated mozzarella cheese, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
6. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the warm marinara sauce over the meatballs, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese if desired.
7. Serve the baked meatballs hot, either on their own as an appetizer or with pasta, spaghetti squash, or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!