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### Instructions:
**1. Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
**2. Combine Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the mixture and mix everything together until fully combined.
Don’t overmix—just stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps maintain the tenderness of the meat.
**3. Form a Meatloaf Instead of Meatballs**
Instead of rolling the mixture into individual meatballs, simply shape the mixture into a **loaf shape** on the prepared baking sheet. This method allows the meat to cook evenly while maintaining that familiar meatball flavor without the need for individual portions.
**4. Bake the “Meatballs”**
Place the meatloaf-shaped ground beef mixture in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).
**5. Add the Sauce**
Once the meat is cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Pour your marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it with a spoon to cover the surface. You can also sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy, meatball-inspired flavor.
**6. Bake for an Additional 10 Minutes**
Place the meatloaf back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat up and the cheese to melt, if you’re using it.
**7. Slice and Serve**
After baking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into hearty portions. Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables. You can even use it as a filling for sandwiches or sliders!
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### Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hack:
– **No Rolling, No Fuss**: Forget about the hours spent rolling individual meatballs. This method allows you to enjoy the same great flavors without the tedious prep work.
– **Faster Cooking Time**: The meatloaf-style “meatballs” cook evenly and faster than traditional meatballs, saving you time in the kitchen.
– **Perfect for Busy Nights**: This hack is a lifesaver for weeknight dinners when you need something quick, filling, and satisfying. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that you can easily make ahead for meal prep!
– **Flexible Flavor**: You can mix and match your favorite seasonings, cheese, and sauce options to customize the dish to your liking. Add a little Italian seasoning for extra flavor, swap the marinara for a creamy alfredo sauce, or top with fresh basil for a fresh twist.
– **Less Mess**: With just one baking sheet to clean, this is an incredibly low-maintenance dinner that requires minimal cleanup afterward. More time for you to enjoy the meal and less time spent washing dishes!
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### Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Hack:
– **Use Lean Ground Beef**: If you prefer a lighter meal, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. Just be aware that leaner meats can be a bit drier, so you may want to add a splash of broth or a little extra egg to keep the meat moist.
– **Season to Taste**: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning! You can add red pepper flakes for heat, or even some dried thyme for a more herbaceous flavor.
– **Use Parchment Paper**: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the meat from sticking to the pan.
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### How This Hack Saves Time and Effort
This **ground beef hack** eliminates the need for tedious prep and cooking steps. Rather than shaping dozens of meatballs, you simply create one big “meatball” loaf, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. Plus, you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd, and the leftovers make for a delicious meal the next day.
This method also works great for those who are new to cooking, as it requires less precision and attention to detail compared to traditional meatball recipes. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this ground beef hack is a winner in any kitchen.
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### Final Thoughts
Once you try this **ground beef hack**, you’ll wonder why you ever spent time rolling meatballs in the first place! It’s the same delicious, savory dish but with way less work involved. Whether you’re in a rush or just want a more efficient way to enjoy your favorite meatball dish, this simple recipe will quickly become your go-to method for cooking with ground beef.
So, give it a try tonight and see how easy (and tasty) it can be to enjoy all the flavors of meatballs without the hassle!
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Let me know if you want to explore more quick and easy hacks for dinner!
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