The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe

If you’re a fan of hearty, satisfying meals, This is the ultimate baked meatballs recipe for juicy, flavorful results every time. are about to become your new favorite recipe! Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, these meatballs are ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing your guests at a dinner party. Whether paired with pasta, served over creamy mashed potatoes, or nestled into a Mediterranean quinoa power bowl, these baked meatballs will elevate any meal. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (85% lean): 1 pound
• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
• Parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup, grated
• Eggs: 2 large
• Milk: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Onion: ½ small, finely chopped
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, freshly chopped
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon

For the Sauce (Optional):

• Tomato sauce: 2 cups
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon
• Fresh basil leaves: For garnish

Why Baked Meatballs Are Better

Baking meatballs offers several benefits over frying. It’s a hands-off approach, allowing you to prepare your side dishes while the meatballs cook. Baking also ensures even cooking and reduces the amount of oil used, making this method a healthier option without compromising on flavor or juiciness. According to Wikipedia, meatballs have a rich culinary history, being a part of various cuisines worldwide. Baked meatballs are a modern twist on this classic dish, combining convenience with tradition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and freshly chopped parsley. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add eggs and milk to help bind the mixture. Gently mix everything with clean hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the meatballs dense.

3. Shape the Meatballs:

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart for even cooking.

4. Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

5. Optional Sauce:

While the meatballs are baking, prepare a quick tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in the tomato sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the baked meatballs with the sauce for a perfect pairing.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Top the meatballs with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. Serve with pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe: Juicy and Flavorful!

Recipe by Chef Walter

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: MainCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Juicy and flavorful baked meatballs made with ground beef, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, perfect for serving with pasta, quinoa, or on their own.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (85% lean): 1 pound

• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup

• Parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup, grated

• Eggs: 2 large

• Milk: 2 tablespoons

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Onion: ½ small, finely chopped

• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, freshly chopped

• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon

• Salt: 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon

• Tomato sauce (optional): 2 cups

• Olive oil (optional): 2 tablespoons

• Garlic (optional): 2 cloves, minced

• Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon

• Fresh basil leaves (optional): For garnish

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add eggs and milk, then gently mix until just combined.
• Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• (Optional) While the meatballs bake, prepare a tomato sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then adding tomato sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes and season to taste.
• Garnish the baked meatballs with fresh basil and serve with your choice of pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Cooking Tips for Success:
  Choose meat: Using a good quality beef ensures your meatballs are both flavorful and juicy.
  Soak breadcrumbs for moisture: Incorporating milk-soaked breadcrumbs prevents the meatballs from drying out during baking.
  Handle with care: Mix the ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender and avoid a tough texture.
  Enhance with fresh herbs: While parsley is traditional, you can substitute cilantro or thyme for a unique twist.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

• With Pasta: Toss the meatballs in your favorite marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti for a classic comfort dish.
• In Grain Bowls: Pair these meatballs with the Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl for a protein-packed meal.
• As Appetizers: Arrange them on a platter with marinara dipping sauce at your next party.

For breakfast inspiration, pair these meatballs with these Kale and Mushroom Egg Bites. Or, for an Italian-themed dinner, combine them with Homemade Gnocchi and a rich tomato sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled meatballs to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze: Place cooked meatballs on a tray and freeze until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Fun Fact About Meatballs

Meatballs are a universal culinary favorite, with variations found in almost every culture. From Swedish köttbullar to Italian polpette, they showcase the adaptability of ground meat in creating delightful dishes. Learn more about their cultural significance on Wikipedia.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

This baked meatballs recipe, you can recreate a restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfect for entertaining or everyday dining, they’re sure to please. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration. Tag me in your creations—let’s bring the joy of cooking to more kitchens together!