Oven Baked Italian Meatballs

Step 1

Preheat oven to 180C/350F.

Step 2

Place onion, garlic and olive oil in a (approx) 30 x 25 cm / 12 x 10" pan (Note 4). Mix, spread out, then bake for 8 minutes. (Start the meatballs)

Step 3

Remove from oven, add remaining Sauce ingredients. Mix.

Step 4

Place rack on top of pan.

Step 5

Turn oven up to 200C/390F.

Step 6

Place the bread and onion in a large bowl. Mix to combine so the onion juice soaks the bread, set aside for 3 minutes. Bread should disintegrate into mush - if not, add a splash of milk or water to help it along.

Step 7

Add all the remaining Meatball ingredients except oil spray. Use you hands to mix well.

Step 8

Measure out very generously heaped tablespoons and roll into firm balls. It should make around 20 - don't make them too small, they will cook too quickly.

Step 9

Place meatballs on the rack, ensuring they are positioned over the pan so the juices will drip into the Sauce.

Step 10

Spray generously with oil.

Step 11

Bake for 20 minutes. Optional: flick to grill/broil on high for 2 minutes at the end, to get better browning.

Step 12

Transfer meatballs from rack into the Sauce. Stir to coat meatballs in Sauce.

Step 13

Serve with spaghetti or other pasta of choice, garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan.