Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
italian appetizer spread meatballs with tomato sauce

Irresistible Italian Meatball Appetizers

Juicy, cheesy, golden-brown meatballs drenched in tomato sauce and bursting with nostalgic Italian flavor.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: baked beef meatballs, italian appetizer recipes, italian meatball appetizer, party meatballs
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 302kcal
Cost: $14.00

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 skillet
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 sheet Parchment Paper
  • 1 Small Saucepan
  • 1 serving platter

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp extra grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
    1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs for 20–22 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • In a small saucepan, warm the tomato sauce over medium heat until simmering.
    2 cups tomato sauce
  • Transfer the baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently coat them in the warm sauce.
    2 cups tomato sauce
  • Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter, garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, and serve warm with toothpicks.
    1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp extra grated Parmesan

Notes

For even more flavor, use a mix of beef and pork. To make ahead, bake the meatballs and freeze them, then reheat with sauce before serving. These are also excellent served over polenta or in slider rolls.
This recipe is an independent creation and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand name.

Nutrition

Serving: 150g | Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 964mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 3mg
QR Code linking back to recipe