Basic Baked Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These basic baked meatballs are a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender and juicy on the inside with a golden crust, they can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or alongside your favorite sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped onion.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour in the milk and mix well using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Step 5: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown nicely.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
8. Step 8: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes before mixing.
• Try substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used instead of dried Italian seasoning for a brighter flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a combination can be used. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are golden brown on the outside. You can check using a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Basic Baked Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

These Basic Baked Meatballs are a simple and delicious recipe featuring tender ground beef mixed with Parmesan, herbs, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, topping for pasta, or a protein-packed snack, they’re easy to prepare and full of classic Italian flavors.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (approximately 20 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup milk

For Baking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion, mixing these foundational ingredients thoroughly.
3. Add Seasonings: Incorporate the egg, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning into the meat mixture, which will add flavor and help bind the meatballs.
4. Add Milk and Mix: Pour in the milk and mix all ingredients well using your hands or a spoon until the mixture is evenly combined and sticky enough to shape.
5. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, arranging them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the meatballs to promote browning and add moisture while baking.
7. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through with a nicely browned exterior.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Serve with marinara sauce and pasta for a classic meal.
• Ensure meatballs are uniform in size to cook evenly.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for better texture.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: baked meatballs, meatball recipe, Italian meatballs, easy meatballs, ground beef meatballs