Juicy Homemade Baked Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love

These classic tender baked meatballs dance with rich, hearty flavors that melt in your mouth.

Crafted with a perfect blend of ground beef and seasonings, the meatballs bring warmth to any dinner table.

Each carefully rolled morsel promises a juicy, savory experience that feels like a comforting embrace.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and mastering a simple technique.

Herbs and spices weave through the meat, creating depth and complexity.

Baking ensures a golden, slightly crisp exterior while maintaining an incredibly soft interior.

Serve these meatballs over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a standalone dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 348 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Baked Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty foundation with robust protein content; choose lean cuts for balanced texture and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty undertone and helps bind ingredients together; select freshly grated for maximum flavor impact.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates tender structure and absorbs moisture; use plain or seasoned varieties for extra depth.
• Egg: Acts as natural glue holding ingredients cohesively; fresh farm eggs work best.
• Milk: Ensures meatballs remain juicy and soft; whole milk recommended for richer consistency.

• Garlic: Introduces bold, pungent flavor profile; choose fresh cloves for most intense taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients; use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground provides superior aroma.
• Italian Seasoning: Contributes herbal Mediterranean essence; blend includes oregano, basil, thyme.
• Onion Powder: Provides concentrated sweet-savory undertone without chopping fresh onions.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh, bright note and attractive green specks; select vibrant, crisp leaves.

Kitchen Tools For Baked Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for evenly spacing and baking meatballs.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meatballs reach safe internal temperature.
• Hands or spoon: Used for gently mixing meatball ingredients.

Simple Steps For Baked Meatballs

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Mix Your Meaty Magic

Toss ground beef into a big bowl with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, onion powder, and parsley. Gently blend everything together using your hands or a spoon – be careful not to squish too much.

• Shape Your Flavor Bombs

Roll the mixture into round balls about the size of a golf ball. Spread them out evenly on your prepared baking sheet, giving each meatball some breathing room.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the tray into the hot oven and let the meatballs cook for 18-20 minutes. They’re ready when they’re beautifully browned and reach an internal temperature of 165F.

• Serve And Savor

Plate up your meatballs with marinara sauce, toss them over pasta, or stuff them into a delicious sub sandwich. Enjoy your homemade meaty masterpiece!

Tips For Juicy Baked Meatballs

• Flavor Boosting Tip: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for an extra depth of flavor that'll make these meatballs irresistible.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Meal Prep Magic: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave for quick weeknight meals.
• Protein Power Variation: Mix ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that's just as delicious and packed with flavor.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious final dish.

How To Plate Baked Meatballs

• Pasta Paradise: Nestle these juicy meatballs over a bed of steaming spaghetti, generously topped with marinara sauce and fresh basil leaves for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
• Sandwich Sensation: Transform these baked meatballs into a hearty sub by tucking them into a crusty hoagie roll, adding melted provolone cheese and a drizzle of marinara sauce.
• Game Day Appetizer: Slice meatballs in half and serve on toothpicks with a side of tangy marinara dipping sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and sports events.
• Mediterranean Platter: Create a Mediterranean-style spread by serving meatballs alongside tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, and warm pita bread for a delightful fusion experience.

How To Store Baked Meatballs After Cooking

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cooked meatballs in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Batches: Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Tricks: Warm meatballs gently in the microwave with a splash of marinara sauce, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a double batch and portion into meal-sized containers with pasta or rice for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Tender Baked Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Juicy Italian-style baked meatballs combine ground beef, herbs, and parmesan for a classic comfort dish. Home cooks can easily master this simple, flavorful recipe that brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsps (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Activate the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent adhesion.
2. Mixture Mastery: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, onion powder, and parsley. Fold ingredients with minimal handling to preserve the meat’s delicate texture.
3. Shaping and Positioning: Craft uniform meatballs by rolling the mixture into consistent golf ball-sized spheres. Arrange them strategically on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring sufficient spacing between each morsel.
4. Roasting Ritual: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown exterior and confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
5. Serving Suggestion: Allow meatballs to rest briefly, then serve alongside marinara sauce, atop pasta, or nestled within a robust sub sandwich for a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Notes

• Minimize Meat Handling: Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatballs by avoiding overmixing or aggressive kneading.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature hits 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking.
• Moisture Maintenance: Include milk and egg as binding agents to keep meatballs juicy and prevent dryness during baking.
• Customize Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences while maintaining similar mixing techniques.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 485 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg