The Best Juicy Baked Meatballs Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting the best baked meatballs recipe demands creativity and passion in the kitchen.

Succulent meats blend perfectly with aromatic herbs and spices.

Homemade comfort emerges through carefully selected ingredients and precise techniques.

Mediterranean and Italian influences inspire this delectable dish.

Juicy textures promise a mouthwatering experience that delights every palate.

Compact and flavorful, these meatballs transform simple meals into memorable dining moments.

Let’s unlock the secrets to creating irresistible baked meatballs that will impress everyone at the table.

FAQs

• Can I use only ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with more ground beef or use a single type of meat based on your preference and availability.

• Do I need to flip the meatballs while baking?

No, these meatballs don’t require flipping. They will brown evenly in the oven when placed with space between them.

• How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and fully cooked.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

The Best Baked Meatballs You’ll Love

• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Powerhouse: Combines two meats for a richer, more complex flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• Minimal Mess Cooking: Baking eliminates stovetop splatter and allows hands-off preparation, making cleanup a breeze while delivering perfectly cooked meatballs.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Adaptable to multiple serving styles – from pasta dinners to sandwich fillings or party appetizers, these meatballs suit any dining occasion.
• Simple Seasoning Magic: Blends classic herbs and spices like parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika to create a deeply satisfying taste without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Behind Perfect Baked Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and juicy texture to the meatballs.
• Ground Chicken: Adds a lighter meat component and helps create a balanced meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: These ingredients work together to help bind the meatballs and maintain a tender, moist consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a savory depth and helps hold the meatballs together.

• Parsley, Onion, Garlic: These fresh ingredients add brightness and complex flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Smoked Paprika: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile and provide a robust and well-rounded flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish and helping prevent sticking.

How to Bake Meatballs to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 400F and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Egg
• Milk

Step 3: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Smoked paprika

Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the meat mixture into perfect round balls. Aim for bite-sized morsels about 1½ inches in diameter.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Dish

Place each meatball on the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out these juicy meatballs and serve them hot alongside pasta, tucked into a sandwich, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips to Enhance Baked Meatballs Flavor

• Choose lean ground meat for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor and moisture.
• Mix meats carefully to prevent overworking, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for better melting and more intense taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Allow meatballs to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain juices and improve overall texture.
• For gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain binding properties.

Flavorful Ideas for Baked Meatballs

• Vegetarian Meatballs: Replace ground beef and chicken with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives mixed with breadcrumbs and spices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, chopped mint, and swap smoked paprika for cumin. Serve with tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip breadcrumbs entirely. Use crushed pork rinds or grated zucchini as a binding agent. Increase protein content by adding extra ground meat or cheese.

What to Enjoy with Baked Meatballs

• Hearty Pasta Night Companion: Nestle these juicy meatballs over a steaming bed of spaghetti marinara, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and watch everyone's eyes light up with pure comfort food delight.
• Mediterranean Meatball Pita Pocket: Stuff warm pita bread with sliced meatballs, fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a quick and satisfying Mediterranean-style lunch.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Slice meatballs into bite-sized pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and serve with a zesty dipping sauce like spicy sriracha mayo or tangy barbecue for an irresistible party appetizer that'll disappear fast.

Proper Storage for Baked Meatballs

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them moist and fresh.
• Freeze meatballs in a sealed freezer bag or container for maximum 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat refrigerated meatballs in microwave: Place on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat for 30-45 seconds until warm throughout.
• Warm frozen meatballs in oven: Preheat to 350F, spread on baking sheet, cover with foil, heat for 15-20 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

Irresistible Baked Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian-style Baked Meatballs blend ground beef, pork, and herbs into a classic comfort dish. Perfectly seasoned spheres of meat provide a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken or turkey

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Fresh Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing baking dish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine ground beef, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika over the meat mixture, then gently fold ingredients together until thoroughly integrated.
4. Craft uniform meatballs using hands or a small scoop, aiming for consistent 1½-inch spherical shapes that will cook evenly.
5. Arrange the meatballs in the prepared baking dish, ensuring sufficient spacing between each to promote proper heat circulation and browning.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F.
7. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving alongside pasta, tucking into sandwiches, or presenting as a delectable appetizer.

Notes

• Use a combination of ground beef and chicken for a leaner, more flavorful meatball that stays moist and tender.
• Gently mix ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Ensure even sizing by using a small ice cream scoop or weighing each meatball for consistent cooking and presentation.
• For gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain binding and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg