Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and prevents the meatballs from drying out.

Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is the base for your flavourful and juicy meatballs!

Mix Gently: Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. A light touch is key.

Form the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.

Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. This step creates a flavorful base for the tomato sauce.

Brown the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. Searing the meatballs adds depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape during baking.

Remove and Set Aside: Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside. This prevents them from overcooking while you prepare the tomato sauce.

Add Tomato Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet. This creates a rich and flavorful base for your meatball masterpiece!

Add Sugar: Add sugar and stir to combine. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

Simmer the Sauce: Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer sauce.

Nestle the Meatballs: Gently place the meatballs into the tomato sauce, nestling them evenly in the skillet. Ensure that the meatballs are partially submerged in the sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.

Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. This creates a melty, bubbly topping that adds a creamy and cheesy dimension to the dish.

Bake to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through. Use a thermometer to check doneness, if necessary, ensuring the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).