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Easy Crispy Sheet Pan Meatballs Recipe for Perfect Homemade Marinara

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy sheet pan meatballs with a golden crust, paired with a vibrant homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and fuss-free comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • Olive oil spray or drizzle
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the upper third.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into about 20 evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
  4. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Place meatballs evenly spaced on the pan and spray or drizzle olive oil on top.
  5. Bake meatballs for about 15 minutes until cooked through but not browned.
  6. Switch oven to broil on high and broil meatballs for 2-4 minutes until golden and crispy, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Transfer baked meatballs to the marinara sauce and stir gently to coat. Simmer together on low heat for 5 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot over pasta, polenta, or your favorite side.

Notes

Do not skip the broiling step to achieve the perfect crispy crust. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep meatballs tender. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan to keep moist; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, sheet pan meatballs, crispy meatballs, homemade marinara, easy dinner, quick recipe, Italian, comfort food

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