1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss the baby potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and red onion with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well coated.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the meatballs on a large baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Arrange the vegetables around the meatballs in a single layer.
- Make sure there is enough space between the meatballs and vegetables to allow for even cooking.
5. Bake the Meatballs and Vegetables:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. You may want to toss the vegetables halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
6. Serve:
- If using marinara sauce, heat it in a saucepan or microwave and serve it alongside or over the meatballs.
- Serve the meatballs and roasted vegetables hot. They are great on their own or with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success:
- Meatball Size: Make sure to make the meatballs uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Vegetable Cutting: Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to both the meatballs and vegetables to customize the flavor.
Conclusion: Delicious oven-baked meatballs with vegetables are a simple yet satisfying meal that combines the richness of meatballs with the goodness of roasted vegetables. With minimal prep and a delightful combination of flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Enjoy the savory taste and wholesome goodness of this easy-to-make dish!