Meatballs Al Forno Recipe
Make Meatballs Al Forno Recipe in just 1h 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Meatballs
Tomato Sauce
Assembly & Cheese
Method
Meatballs
- 1
soak bread crumbs
In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs and whole milk. Stir and let sit 5 minutes until crumbs are fully moistened.
- 2
mix meatball ingredients
In a large bowl add ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix until just combined — avoid overworking to keep meatballs tender.
- 3
form meatballs
Shape the mixture into 18 evenly sized meatballs (about 1 1/4 inch to 1 1/2 inch diameter, roughly 1.5 oz each). Place formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- 4
brown meatballs
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When oil shimmers, add meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches). Brown on all sides, turning carefully, about 6–8 minutes total. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
Tomato Sauce
- 5
sauté aromatics
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30–45 seconds more until fragrant.
- 6
build sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- 7
finish sauce
Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in torn fresh basil leaves and simmer 1–2 more minutes. Keep sauce warm on low.
Assembly & Baking
- 8
preheat oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 9
combine meatballs and sauce
Pour about half of the tomato sauce into a 9x13-inch (or similarly sized) ovenproof baking dish and spread into an even layer. Nestle the browned meatballs in the sauce in a single layer. Spoon remaining sauce over the meatballs to coat.
- 10
add cheese
Top each meatball with a slice of fresh mozzarella. If using shredded mozzarella, sprinkle evenly over the dish. Finish with grated Parmesan.
- 11
bake
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), about 12–18 minutes depending on size and starting temperature of meatballs. If you want a lightly browned top, place under broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- 12
rest and garnish
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.