Easy Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

This comforting and delicious Easy Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce recipe combines tender, savory meatballs with a rich tomato sauce, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal that’s ideal for serving over rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The baked method keeps the meatballs tender while allowing them to soak up the tangy, seasoned tomato sauce.

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Ingredients

• For the Meatballs
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup cooked white rice (or substitute raw rice with a slight change in texture)
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• For the Tomato Sauce
• 10.75 oz can condensed tomato soup (no added water or milk)
• 1 cup vegetable juice (like V8)
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Meatballs

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, garlic powder, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

1. Form and Arrange Meatballs

• Divide the meat mixture into 20 even portions and roll each into a meatball. Place the meatballs in a 2-quart baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each for even cooking.

1. Prepare the Sauce

• In a separate bowl, combine the tomato soup, vegetable juice, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs.

1. Bake

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through.

1. Serve and Garnish

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy every last drop of the rich tomato sauce!

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Tips for Perfect Meatballs

• Rice Options: Using cooked rice keeps the meatballs light, while raw rice will cook within the meatball, adding a firmer texture.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the dish to bake uncovered a little longer or add a touch of tomato paste.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a balanced meal.

This recipe is simple yet packed with comforting flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner!