Easy Homemade Baked Meatballs (Lunchbox Favorite!)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain unseasoned)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp italian seasoning (or dry parsley, or oregano)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 28 oz canned tomatoes
• 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Preparing the Meatballs ---

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 425F and prepare a medium baking sheet (grease with olive oil or line with parchment paper).

3. 3

   Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and combine using your hands until forms a paste.

4. 4

   Mold the meatball mixture using a small scoop (about 1 tbsp). Don’t overmix, you want tender meatballs!

5. 5

   Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).

6. 6

   --- Easy Marinara Sauce ---

7. 7

   Add the canned tomatoes to a food processor or blender, and blend until all the large pieces of tomatoes turn into a thick sauce.

8. 8

   Heat a deep large skillet or pan over medium heat.

9. 9

   Add the olive oil, pressed garlic and cook until fragrant.

10. 10

    Add the blended canned tomatoes and cook on low for about 10 minutes to reduce the sauce.

11. 11

    Add sugar and mix. Adjust salt if necessary.

12. 12

    Add baked meatballs to the simmering sauce and serve over your favorite pasta!