Juicy Baked Meatballs Recipe: Family-Favorite Dinner Magic

Crafting delectable baked meatballs requires skill and passion that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Juicy meat packed with herbs creates a mouth-watering centerpiece for any meal.

Seasoned cooks understand the delicate balance between moisture and texture in these savory spheres.

Simple techniques make all the difference when preparing these delightful protein-packed bites.

Fragrant spices and quality ground meat ensure each meatball bursts with incredible flavor.

Mixing ingredients carefully helps maintain a tender, succulent result that will impress everyone at the table.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a regular part of your cooking repertoire.

Flavor Variations for Baked Meatballs

• Veggie Meatballs: Replace ground meats with lentils, mushrooms, and black beans. Use flax eggs as a binder and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free Parmesan cheese to maintain the recipe's integrity.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, and oregano. Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern profile.
• Lean Protein Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Reduce breadcrumbs and add grated zucchini to keep meatballs moist and lower in calories.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Meatballs

• Pasta Paradise: Serve these juicy meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian-style dinner that'll make everyone happy.
• Appetizer Extravaganza: Arrange meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a side of tangy marinara or creamy ranch dip for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
• Sandwich Sensation: Slice meatballs in half and tuck them into crusty submarine rolls with melted provolone cheese and extra marinara for an incredible hot sandwich experience.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Create a colorful spread with meatballs, hummus, olives, cucumber salad, and warm pita bread for a vibrant and diverse meal that celebrates Mediterranean flavors.

Storage Advice for Baked Meatballs

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Warm meatballs on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep them juicy.

FAQs

• Can I use only ground beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with additional ground beef, but using a mix of meats creates a more flavorful and tender meatball.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and fully cooked.

• Is it okay to freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

The Best Baked Meatballs Overview

• Whip Up Quickly: These meatballs come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with classic Italian flavors from Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, these meatballs are guaranteed to satisfy everyone from kids to adults at family dinners or gatherings.
• Versatile Meal Hero: Serve these tender meatballs over pasta, in sandwiches, as appetizers, or alongside a fresh salad – they're adaptable to countless meal scenarios and culinary preferences.
• Healthier Baking Approach: By baking instead of frying, these meatballs reduce excess oil while maintaining incredible moisture and developing a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients for The Best Baked Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that provides the primary flavor and texture of the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meat mixture for a more complex taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and creates a tender internal texture.
• Eggs: Acts as a natural binder to prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
• Milk: Softens the meat mixture and adds subtle richness to the meatballs.

• Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Parsley, Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic Italian herb and savory profile that elevates the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance and balance the meat's natural flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden brown exterior and adds a light, smooth finish to the meatballs.

How to Prepare Baked Meatballs Stepwise

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect browning.

Step 2: Creating the Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s wonderfully blended and looks like a tasty meat masterpiece.

Step 3: Shaping the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into perfect round balls, each about the size of a golf ball (roughly 1.5 inches).

Gently place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving each meatball a little breathing room.

Step 4: Adding a Touch of Shine

Drizzle a light stream of olive oil over the meatballs, ensuring they get a beautiful golden sheen during baking.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let the meatballs cook for 18-20 minutes, transforming into a deliciously golden-brown delight.

They’re done when they’re fully cooked through and have a gorgeous color.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

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

Serve these beauties with your favorite pasta, marinara sauce, or enjoy them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Helpful Tips for Baked Meatballs

• Add a splash of milk or water to prevent dry meatballs and ensure a tender, juicy texture every time.
• Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet to keep meatballs from adhering and make cleanup a breeze.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat meatballs.
• Combine ground beef and pork for a richer flavor profile and more succulent meatball experience.
• Freeze cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for future dinners.

The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Italian baked meatballs blend perfectly seasoned ground beef with herbs and cheese. Hearty comfort emerges from this classic dish that brings warmth to family dinners with simple, delicious ingredients you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Set the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. Thoroughly blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Craft uniform spherical meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, carefully positioning them across the lined baking sheet.
4. Delicately cascade olive oil over the meatball surface to enhance moisture and promote golden browning.
5. Roast within the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns a rich golden hue and internal temperature reaches safe cooking standards.
6. Extract meatballs from the oven, allowing brief resting time to stabilize internal temperatures and maintain juiciness.
7. Serve alongside preferred pasta, marinara sauce, or present as a delectable standalone appetizer for gatherings or family meals.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by using a blend of ground meats like beef and pork, which creates a more tender and flavorful texture.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs; gently combine ingredients just until they’re incorporated.
• Use a light touch when forming meatballs to keep them tender and prevent compacting the meat too tightly.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb and gluten-free alternative that maintains the meatballs’ delicious structure.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg