MAIN DISH

Italian Herb Baked Meatballs

Italian Herb Baked Meatballs
Our family's favorite meatballs are loaded with fresh herbs and cheese. They are bursting with flavor. You can make pasta sauce, but there is truly no need. They are the best daggum meatballs ever! No sauce required. Simple recipe, magnificent meatballs! 
Last week we had my bestie over for her birthday and I made my favorite 40 Minute Quick and Easy Cheesy Meat Lasagna, It is outrageous and goes in the oven in just 15 minutes. You can not beat that, unless.... you make meatballs to serve on the side and garlic Parmesan pull apart bread (we will get to that next week).
So, I whipped up a batch of our family favorite meatballs. I used fresh herbs, fresh Parmesan cheese, a few other ingredients and waited for them to bake with great anticipation. Mere minutes later Chad and I were popping these meatballs like candy.
Seriously! No pasta. No sauce. Just the best daggum meatballs that I have ever had. The richness of the beef shines through and they are perfectly moist and flavorful. GLORIOUS! Oh my word. Everyone went complete nuts over it. I mean everyone went back for 2nds and 3rds.
These are going on the Christmas menu for sure. RECIPE at the bottom of the page.
Enjoy!
Looking for the perfect popable dinner? These Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf Meatball Poppers surely fit the bill! Moist, flavorful and deliciously addictive. Your kids will go crazy for these. Great to freeze and reheat.

ingredients:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (I used 88%)
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed (or minced)
  • ½ small onion, grated (or minced)
  • 2 tablespoons marinara
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
INTRUCTIONS :
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well, do not over mix or you will have tough meatballs.
  3. Using a 2 tablespoon scoop, portion out meat and place on baking sheet. After all meatballs have been scooped onto tray, roll into balls and place back onto the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-22 minutes.
  5. Remove and transfer to sauce or serve immediately.
DONNA'S NOTE: If you lightly coat your hands with olive oil before rolling the meatballs, they will form better and crack less.