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Basic Baked Meatballs Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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