Easy Italian Meatballs
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or grated)
2 eggs
4 cloves garlic (minced or use garlic press)
1/2 dried basil
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 Tbs. tomato paste
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray with pam. Set aside.
Mix all ingredients together.
Divide the meat mixture into 36 balls, about 1 inch in diameter and 1.5 oz. each, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the meatballs on middle rack of oven until cooked through, 15 – 20 minutes. Check to see that meatballs are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
Transfer the meatballs to a large pot and pour in the marinara sauce. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce until heated through, 3-5 minutes.
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and top with the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if you like. Serve immediately.
