Best Easy Meatballs

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• cup minced onion
• cup Italian bread crumbs
• cup half-and-half
• cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pounds ground round beef
• pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375F (190C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced onion, bread crumbs, half-and-half, grated Parmesan, eggs, egg yolk, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, and dried oregano. Stir everything until well mixed.
3. Add the meat: Incorporate the ground round beef and Italian sausage into the mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Form the meatballs: Dampen your hands with a little water and shape the mixture into 18 golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are nicely browned and cooked through.
6. Simmer in marinara sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into a large pot. Add the marinara sauce and stir gently to coat the meatballs. Let the sauce and meatballs simmer on low heat for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cook's Note:

The meatballs are best when simmered in marinara sauce, but if you prefer, you can bake them fully for 17 minutes, let them cool completely, and freeze them for later use.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrition Breakdown:

• Total Fat: 31g (40% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (58% DV)
• Cholesterol: 179mg (60% DV)
• Sodium: 1718mg (75% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 39g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (23% DV)
• Protein: 31g (62% DV)
• Vitamin C: 7mg (7% DV)
• Calcium: 143mg (11% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (24% DV)
• Potassium: 1029mg (22% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.