A good tomato sauce and meatball recipe is a staple dish in many households. It is quick and easy to make, and can be served for a variety of occasions. However, using a traditional pan to cook the meatballs can be time-consuming and messy.

This recipe avoids all that by using an oven instead, which is not only quicker but also results in delicious and evenly cooked meatballs. In this article, we will provide an easy recipe for tomato sauce and Parmesan meatballs that require no pan.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients. The following ingredients will make about 24 meatballs, or 6 servings:.

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, we can move on to the instructions. Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious tomato sauce and Parmesan meatballs:.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and the meat mixture is sticky and uniform.

Step 3: Form meatballs

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into balls about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly.

Step 4: Bake the meatballs

Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Heat the tomato sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, heat the tomato sauce in a small pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 6: Combine tomato sauce and meatballs

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and add them to the pot with the heated tomato sauce. Stir gently to evenly coat all of the meatballs in the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Divide the meatballs and tomato sauce evenly among serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and easy tomato sauce and Parmesan meatballs!.

Variations

If you want to switch things up and add more flavor to this recipe, there are several variations you can try:.

Swap the ground beef for ground pork or turkey for a milder flavor
Add chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist
Use a spicy tomato sauce or add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat
Mix in a handful of diced sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for added depth of flavor

Conclusion

This easy tomato sauce and Parmesan meatballs recipe is a go-to dish for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It is simple to make and requires very few tools or ingredients.

By using an oven instead of a pan to cook the meatballs, you save time and avoid a messy cleanup. Plus, the combination of juicy meatballs and tangy tomato sauce is a crowd-pleaser. Try it out for your next meal and enjoy!.