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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Activate the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent adhesion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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