Spicy Italian Pork Meatballs

Prep 35 min
Total 40 min
Servings 4

These easy, versatile oven-baked pork meatballs get their bold flavor from Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper. Serve them with our quick marinara dipping sauce as an appetizer, or pop them in a hoagie bun or on top of your pasta for quick, delicious dinners!

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Updated March 3, 2017

Make with

Progresso Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

Meatballs

1

lb ground pork
1

egg
1/2

cup Progresso™ Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs
1/4

cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1

tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
2

teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1

teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1/2

teaspoon salt
1/2

teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Marinara Sauce

1

tablespoon olive oil
3

cloves garlic, crushed
1/4

teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1

can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ Organic Crushed Tomatoes Fire Roasted, undrained
1/4

teaspoon salt
8

medium fresh basil leaves

Steps

1

Heat oven to 400°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with foil. Spray with cooking spray.
2

In large bowl, mix Meatball ingredients until well combined. Using rounded tablespoon measure, shape 20 meatballs (1 1/2-inch); place in pan. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until no longer pink in center (at least 165°F).
3

Meanwhile, make sauce by heating oil in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed garlic and 1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until garlic is fragrant. Add tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the basil leaves; heat to simmering. Stir; cook 4 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to blender. Vent blender top, and cover with kitchen towel. Blend sauce 40 to 45 seconds or until garlic and basil are blended with tomatoes. Serve sauce warm with meatballs.

Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs can be substituted.
Timesaver: Use your favorite Muir Glen™ organic pasta sauce instead of making the marinara from scratch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 400
Calories from Fat: 210

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 24g; 37%
Saturated Fat 8g 39% Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol: 125mg; 42%
Sodium: 1010mg; 42%
Potassium: 320mg; 9%
Total Carbohydrate: 19g; 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4% Sugars 5g
Protein: 27g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 20%; 20%
Vitamin C: 0%; 0%
Calcium: 10%; 10%
Iron: 10%; 10%

Exchanges:

0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;