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Italian cuisine holds a revered place among the world’s culinary traditions, known for its ability to evoke comfort and warmth through rich flavors and hearty dishes. From pasta and pizza to risottos and stews, Italian food has an undeniable charm that transcends borders and brings people together. Among its many beloved offerings, baked Neapolitan meatballs stand out as a quintessential comfort food, cherished for their robust taste and satisfying texture.

Baked Neapolitan Meatballs

Explore the deliciousness of baked Neapolitan meatballs, a comforting Italian classic that brings warmth to any table. Made with a tender blend of ground beef and pork, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, these meatballs are perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and adaptable for meal prep, they can be served over pasta, in a sub, or enjoyed on their own. Discover the joy of Italian cuisine with this flavorful dish that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce:

2 cups canned crushed tomatoes

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Make the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

      Shape the meatballs: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and form into round meatballs. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and repeat until all the mixture is used. You should get about 20 meatballs.

        Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

          Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

            Combine meatballs with sauce: Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the tomato sauce and gently stir to coat all the meatballs.

              Add cheese: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese over the top.

                Final bake: Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                  Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 4-6 servings