Baked Meatball School Lunch (Print-Friendly Version)

Juicy meatballs, smoky BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese create the perfect lunchbox or weeknight treat for all ages.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

01 - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
02 - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1 cup BBQ sauce
13 - Optional: sliced scallions and additional cheese for topping

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly without overmixing to avoid toughness.
03 - Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are golden and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
05 - While meatballs bake, warm BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once cooked, coat meatballs with the warm BBQ sauce. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese and sliced scallions for extra flavor.
06 - Return sauced meatballs to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Allow the meatballs to cool slightly. Pack them in a lunchbox with whole grain rolls, veggie sticks, or serve over rice or pasta. Include extra BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
02 - Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness for food safety.
03 - Customize your recipe with different BBQ sauce flavors or cheese varieties.

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