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Baked Italian Sausage Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Melted Cheese

A comforting dish that features flavorful baked meatballs made with Italian sausage, served with a tangy tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese—perfect for busy evenings and family gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild) Your choice of spice level
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For added flavor
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh herbs add brightness
  • 1 large egg Binding agent for the meatballs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses flavor into the meatballs
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning to preference
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces) Base for the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing onions
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Classic flavor in Italian cuisine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the tomato acidity
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning
To Top
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For a gooey, cheesy topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer while you whip up the meatballs.
  4. In a large bowl, mix together the Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  5. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
Baking
  1. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
  2. Pour the tomato sauce into a large baking dish. Place the baked meatballs in the sauce and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve over spaghetti, in a sandwich, or on their own.

Notes

You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, and don't worry about the sauce looking a little lumpy—it adds texture!