Baked Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Juicy, succulent meatballs dancing with savory herbs promise a culinary adventure you’ll adore.

Our carefully crafted recipe brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen.

Tender meat mingles with aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering blend that whispers home-cooked perfection.

Each morsel promises rich, deep flavors that comfort and excite simultaneously.

Soft breadcrumbs and fresh parsley add delicate texture and brightness to these delectable spheres.

Simple ingredients combine with love, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Grab a fork and let the deliciousness begin – these baked meatballs are about to become your new favorite dinner sensation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Milk
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Fresh parsley

Blend these ingredients tenderly with hands or a wooden spoon. Mix until components are just combined- avoid overworking the mixture.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Spheres

Roll the meat mixture into round balls approximately 1½ inches wide, similar to golf ball size. Arrange these spheres evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring some space between each meatball.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Cook for 18-20 minutes until the exterior turns beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Serve With Excitement

Present these delectable meatballs alongside marinara sauce, atop pasta, or nestled in a classic meatball submarine sandwich. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Tender and Well-Seasoned Meatballs

• Measure Meat Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for consistent meatball sizes, ensuring even cooking and professional-looking results.
• Prevent Dry Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender and juicy, maintaining a delicate texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté minced garlic and onions before adding to the mixture to enhance the overall taste profile and aromatic quality.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative without compromising the meatball's delicious flavor.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the 165F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meatballs.

Baked Meatballs That Are Juicy and Flavorful

• Customize the seasoning to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs while keeping the basic recipe structure intact.
• Easily batch cook and freeze these meatballs for future quick meals, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Baking eliminates the need for constant stovetop monitoring, reducing cooking stress and ensuring consistent, evenly cooked results every single time.

Ingredients Checklist for Baked Meatballs

• Ground Beef: The star of the meatball, providing rich flavor and protein content. Choose lean beef (80/20 or 85/15 mix) for best texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Crucial for holding the meatballs together and creating a tender texture. Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and prevent dryness.

• Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Parsley: Add depth and complexity to the meatball taste. Fresh garlic provides more intense flavor compared to powdered. Italian seasoning brings traditional Mediterranean notes. Use fresh parsley for brighter color and taste.

How to Keep Baked Meatballs Tasting Fresh

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm meatballs at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Add a splash of marinara sauce to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

Sauces and Sides for Baked Meatballs

• Serve these juicy meatballs over al dente spaghetti or creamy fettuccine, letting the sauce coat each tender morsel for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
• Complement the rich beef with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the meatballs' savory depth and enhances their hearty flavor profile.
• Balance the meal's richness with a fresh arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette, adding bright, zesty notes that contrast the meatballs' warm, comforting texture.
• Pair with crusty garlic bread to soak up marinara sauce, providing a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the tender, juicy meatballs.

Meatball Recipe Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative that maintains great flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Spin
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, and select high-fat ground beef to create a low-carb meatball that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

Most Asked Questions About Baked Meatballs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Keep in mind that turkey may result in slightly drier meatballs, so be careful not to overcook.

• How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. The egg and breadcrumbs act as binders to help hold the meatballs together. Also, make sure to pack the meat mixture firmly when forming the balls.

• Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• What can I do if the meatballs are too dry?

If your meatballs seem dry, try adding a bit more milk or egg to the mixture next time. You can also brush them with a little olive oil before baking to help retain moisture.

Baked Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Italian-style Baked Meatballs bring robust Mediterranean flavors directly to dinner tables with incredible depth and richness. Packed with herbs, tender meat, and simple ingredients, these delectable bites promise comfort and satisfaction with each delicious morsel you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating, then heat the oven to a precise 400F (200C).
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, delicately combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, whisked egg, milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and finely chopped parsley.
3. Tenderly blend the ingredients using fingertips or a wooden spoon, ensuring minimal handling to maintain a light texture – overmixing can result in dense meatballs.
4. Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform spheres, approximately 1½ inches in diameter, resembling the size of a golf ball.
5. Arrange the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them with adequate spacing to promote even cooking and consistent browning.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the exterior develops a rich golden-brown color and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C).
7. Remove from the oven and let rest momentarily before serving alongside marinara sauce, atop pasta, or nestled within a hearty meatball sub.

Notes

• Soften breadcrumbs in milk first to create incredibly tender, juicy meatballs that won’t dry out during baking.
• Use a blend of ground meats like beef, pork, and veal for more complex flavor and richer texture.
• Avoid overworking the meat mixture, which can make meatballs tough and dense – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Ensure even cooking by using a cookie scoop or wet hands when forming meatballs to create uniform sizes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg