The Juiciest Baked Meatballs Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Crafting the best baked meatballs requires patience and a dash of culinary creativity.

Juicy meat blends seamlessly with aromatic herbs in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Comfort foods often tell stories of home and warmth.

Italian-inspired techniques transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Carefully selected spices dance through each tender morsel, creating depth and richness.

Lean meats and smart seasoning make these meatballs a healthier alternative to traditional recipes.

Savor every bite and watch people smile when you serve these delectable spheres of deliciousness.

FAQs

• Can I use only ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with additional ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked through.

• Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Can I freeze these meatballs before baking?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months before baking.

Baked Meatballs Always Impress Guests

• Craft with Ease: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make these meatballs a breeze to prepare, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy as a main dish, appetizer, or in pasta, these meatballs adapt to multiple meal scenarios and satisfy different taste preferences.
• Healthier Baking Method: Oven-baking reduces excess oil compared to traditional frying, creating a lighter, healthier protein option without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults will love the rich, savory taste and tender texture, making it an ideal meal that pleases everyone at the dinner table.

Shopping For The Best Baked Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and lean protein that forms the primary foundation of the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and provides a light, airy texture.
• Eggs: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs compact and prevent crumbling.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a softer, more delicate meatball.

• Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Onion Powder: Provides a deep, savory flavor profile to the meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a classic Mediterranean herb blend for additional depth and aroma.

Making Baked Meatballs In Your Kitchen

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking sheet and lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

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

Gently blend everything together until ingredients are just incorporated.

Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into round balls approximately 1½ inches in diameter.

Place each meatball carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps between them.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Cook for 18-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove meatballs from the oven.

Let them rest briefly, then serve alongside marinara sauce, pasta, or your favorite accompaniments.

Enjoy your delicious homemade meatballs!

Chef’s Advice For Juicy Baked Meatballs

• Mix ground beef and pork carefully to maintain a tender, juicy texture without overworking the meat.
• Use a cookie scoop or slightly wet hands to create uniform 1½-inch meatballs for even cooking and consistent browning.
• Add milk to the mixture to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming dry or tough during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meatballs.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze uncooked for up to 3 months, providing a quick and convenient meal option.

Baked Meatball Flavor Combos To Explore

• Vegetarian Meatballs: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or beyond meat crumbles. Use flax eggs as a binding agent and maintain similar seasonings for rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Meatballs: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Reduce onion powder and use more herbs for enhanced taste. Perfect for keto and paleo diet followers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Maintain the same cooking temperature and time for consistent results.
• Spicy Mediterranean Meatballs: Add harissa paste or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Include fresh chopped mint and cumin for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Baked Meatballs Ready To Serve Up

• Pasta Paradise: Toss these juicy meatballs over spaghetti or linguine, topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian dinner experience.
• Sandwich Sensation: Stuff these meatballs into a crusty hoagie roll with melted provolone and marinara sauce for a hearty lunch that'll satisfy any hunger.
• Appetizer Adventure: Serve these meatballs on toothpicks with a zesty dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy marinara for crowd-pleasing party bites that guests will love.
• Salad Surprise: Slice meatballs and scatter over a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a protein-packed meal with fresh flavors.

Easy Baked Meatball Storage Solutions

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual meatballs or whole batch in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Warm meatballs at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Place meatballs on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between cycles to ensure even warming.

The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Savory Italian-style Baked Meatballs deliver pure comfort with each hearty bite. Juicy beef, herbs, and parmesan create a classic dish that brings warm family memories straight to your dinner table.

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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 breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

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Instructions

1. Set the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and milk until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
3. Using clean hands, form the meat mixture into uniform 1½-inch spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow heat circulation.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to promote uniform browning.
6. Verify doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 160F and the exterior appears golden and slightly crisp.
7. Allow meatballs to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven to help retain moisture.
8. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, atop pasta, or alongside your preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Blend meats gently to keep meatballs tender and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged for richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• Rest meatballs briefly after baking to help juices redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and succulence.
• Consider using lean ground beef mixed with slightly fattier ground pork to maintain perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg