Now that you’ve got the ingredients, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the cooking process.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial step is crucial as it sets the stage for baking those meatballs to perfection. A hot oven helps to retain their moisture while creating a golden crust.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, onion granules, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Italian herb blend, and warm water. Get your hands in there and mix everything until just combined. You want it all incorporated, but don’t overwork the mixture. Over-mixing can lead to tough meatballs.

Using your hands, scoop out a portion of meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball). Form it into a ball shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each meatball to ensure they cook evenly. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used.

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and let the meatballs bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they reach a nice golden brown and the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C). This odor will draw your family into the kitchen.

While the meatballs are baking, let’s whip up the marinara sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Allow this to simmer on low for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors.

Once the meatballs are done baking, gently add them into the marinara sauce. Coat them thoroughly and allow them to simmer for a few minutes in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese when serving.