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Baked Italian Meatballs

Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 2 inch Meatballs

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb mild or hot Italian sausage
  • 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs soaked in 1/3 cup water
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • 1 3/4 cup or 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the soaked breadcrumbs with eggs, garlic, 1/4 cup of the grated cheese and salt and pepper. Mix in the meat gently (the mixture will be fairly wet).
  • Form 2 inch meatballs by hand or using an ice cream scoop, being careful to not pack too tightly. Put the meatballs in a shallow 13x9 dish, leaving space between them.
  • Mix 1/4 cup of water with the crushed tomatoes. Pour tomatoes evenly over the meatballs, pouring it on top of the meatballs, not just around them. Sprinkle remaining grated parmesan cheese on top of meatballs.
  • Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until starting to brown and just cooked through. Let rest 5-10 minutes.
  • Serve with cooked pasta tossed in some of the meatball sauce, or as a side to any of your favorite pasta. Or, make an amazing meatball sub topped with provolone or mozzarella cheese, placed under the broiler to melt the cheese.
  • Enjoy!