The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe: Juicy, Homemade Goodness

Crafting succulent baked meatballs that melt in your mouth can become your new culinary adventure.

Juicy ingredients combine to create a delightful dish bursting with flavor.

Homemade comfort arrives with minimal kitchen effort and maximum satisfaction.

Mediterranean spices and fresh herbs elevate these tender meat parcels beyond ordinary expectations.

Each bite promises a delectable experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Friends and guests will eagerly request this simple yet impressive recipe.

Your dinner table awaits a crowd-pleasing sensation that celebrates hearty, wholesome cooking.

FAQs

• What type of meat works best for these meatballs?

A blend of ground beef and ground pork creates the most tender and flavorful meatballs, providing a perfect balance of fat and lean meat.

• Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to create a gluten-free version of these delicious meatballs.

• How can I prevent my meatballs from becoming dry?

Adding milk to the mixture and avoiding overcooking helps keep the meatballs moist and juicy. Bake just until they reach an internal temperature of 160F.

Best Baked Meatballs Overview

• Savor Quick Comfort: Perfect weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, satisfying hungry families in minutes.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic kitchen techniques, helping home cooks build confidence while creating a delicious meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable dish allowing variations like adding different mushrooms, using alternative proteins, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Traditional recipe loved by generations, offering nostalgic taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients List For Baked Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful foundation for the meatballs that provides rich protein.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Help keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming dense.
• Eggs: Work as a crucial binder to hold the meatball mixture together.

• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Garlic: Contribute bold and aromatic notes to the meatball profile.
• Salt, Pepper, Oregano: Provide essential seasoning that brings out the meat's natural flavors.

Stepwise Preparation Of Baked Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Eggs
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Milk

Use your hands to mix everything together until all ingredients are perfectly blended. Don’t be afraid to get messy!

Step 3: Shape Tasty Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into round balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball gently on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the meatballs turn a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the meatballs and serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, twirl them into pasta, or stack them on a delicious sub sandwich. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy!

Cooking Insights For Baked Meatballs

• Swap ground pork with ground turkey for a leaner protein option that keeps meatballs juicy and tender.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged for richer, more authentic flavor and better texture.
• Test internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160F (71C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the overall taste profile and introduce subtle aromatic notes.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs on the baking sheet for 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape and prevent spreading during cooking.

Flavor Variations Of Baked Meatballs

• Mediterranean Meatballs: Replace pork with ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and swap oregano for za'atar spice blend. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
• Spicy Mexican Meatballs: Mix in chopped jalapeños, ground cumin, chili powder, and replace Parmesan with queso fresco. Top with salsa and cilantro.
• Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Incorporate grated ginger, minced green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Serve with sweet chili sauce and rice.
• Herb-Packed Chicken Meatballs: Substitute beef and pork with ground chicken, increase fresh herbs like basil and thyme, and add lemon zest for brightness.

Side Dishes For Baked Meatballs

• Hearty Spaghetti Night Delight: Nestle these juicy meatballs atop a steaming plate of al dente spaghetti, generously coated with rich marinara sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Meatball Sub Explosion: Transform these baked meatballs into a mouthwatering sub sandwich. Slice a crusty Italian roll, layer with warm meatballs, melted provolone cheese, and extra marinara sauce for a quick lunch or dinner option.
• Mediterranean Meatball Platter: Create a vibrant appetizer spread by serving meatballs with tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a crisp Greek salad. Garnish with fresh herbs and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired feast that will impress guests.

Storing Baked Meatballs Properly

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
• Portion cooked meatballs into individual containers with pasta or sauce for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners during the week.

The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Italian-style meatballs blend ground beef, pork, and herbs into a comforting classic. Baked until golden and juicy, these meatballs deliver rich flavors you’ll savor with pasta or on their own.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) dried oregano

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
2. Blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Gently form the meat mixture into uniform spherical shapes, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each one to promote uniform heat circulation and browning.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160F, indicating complete cooking.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing overall flavor and moisture.
7. Present the meatballs alongside marinara sauce, tossed with pasta, or nestled within a toasted sub roll for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Blend meats carefully to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent tough texture by not overmixing the ingredients.
• Use a light touch when forming meatballs to keep them tender and prevent dense, compact results that can become rubbery.
• Try alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Rest meatballs for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture and enhancing overall taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 334 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg