The Best Juicy Baked Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting the perfect baked meatballs requires skill and a dash of culinary creativity.

Every home cook dreams of tender, juicy spheres packed with flavor.

Mixing quality ground meat with fresh herbs creates magic in your kitchen.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this straightforward yet delectable approach.

Carefully selected ingredients make all the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.

Balanced spices and gentle baking technique ensure each meatball emerges golden and succulent.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible protein-packed delights.

The Best Baked Meatballs Everyone Loves

• Simplify Meal Prep: Enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potluck gatherings, these meatballs adapt to various serving styles from pasta to appetizer platters.
• Nutritious Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, these meatballs deliver a protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different herbs, spices, or meat blends to create your unique twist, making this recipe a flexible base for culinary creativity.

Ingredients For Baked Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and juicy texture for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and keep them moist during baking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty taste that complements the beef.

• Garlic, Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Oregano: These seasonings create a well-rounded, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the meatballs from simple to delicious.

How To Prepare Baked Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Milk

Gently fold these ingredients together until they form a harmonious blend. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Shape the Perfect Morsels

Using your hands, roll the mixture into uniform balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Roast the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensuring they’re cooked completely through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a moment.

Serve these juicy delights with your favorite marinara sauce, toss them with pasta, or present them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips For Perfect Baked Meatballs

• Choose lean ground beef for juicier, less greasy meatballs that hold their shape perfectly during baking.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to create incredibly tender and moist meatballs that won't become dense or tough.
• Use a light touch when mixing ingredients to prevent overworking the meat, which can make meatballs hard and compact.
• For gluten-free options, replace regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs without changing the overall texture.
• Quickly test doneness by cutting a meatball in half – it should reach an internal temperature of 160F and show no pink center.

Variations On Baked Meatballs

• Turkey Meatballs: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option with reduced fat content.
• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Add chopped mint, diced red onions, and swap oregano for za'atar seasoning to create a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs: Use cooked lentils, quinoa, and ground mushrooms as a plant-based alternative with similar texture and protein content.

What To Serve With Baked Meatballs

• Cozy Spaghetti Night: Serve these juicy meatballs over steaming spaghetti with marinara sauce, sprinkled with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian-inspired dinner.
• Meatball Sub Sensation: Nestle warm meatballs into a crusty submarine roll, top with melted provolone cheese and marinara sauce for a hearty sandwich that's perfect for lunch or game day.
• Party Appetizer Platter: Arrange meatballs on a decorative tray with toothpicks, offer multiple dipping sauces like spicy aioli, barbecue, and classic marinara to create an interactive and crowd-pleasing starter for gatherings.

Proper Storage For Baked Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to maintain moisture.
• Freeze meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat refrigerated meatballs in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile and leaner option.

• How do I prevent meatballs from becoming dry?

Mix in milk and egg, which help keep the meatballs moist, and avoid overmixing the meat to maintain tenderness.

• Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients and provide a lighter texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.

• Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Delicious Baked Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent homemade Italiano-style baked meatballs combine ground beef, herbs, and cheese for an authentic Italian dinner experience. Families and guests will savor these juicy, perfectly seasoned morsels that bring Mediterranean comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Wet Ingredients and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. Gently blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing.
3. Form the meat mixture into uniform spherical portions, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, carefully placing each meatball on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation to promote even browning.
4. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, rotating the sheet midway through cooking to guarantee consistent color and thorough internal cooking.
5. Verify doneness by checking that meatballs have developed a rich golden exterior and reached an internal temperature of 160F, signaling they are fully cooked and safe to consume.
6. Extract from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then serve alongside preferred marinara sauce, atop pasta, or as a standalone appetizer.

Notes

• Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatballs by avoiding overmixing the meat mixture.
• Use a light touch when forming meatballs, rolling them between your palms quickly to keep them tender and prevent compacting.
• For a leaner option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, adjusting cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
• Add moisture and richness by incorporating soaked breadcrumbs in milk or using a mixture of meats like beef and pork for extra flavor depth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 522 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg