Baked Meatballs Recipe

Baked Meatballs Recipe: The One Dish Everyone Will Ask For Again

Baked meatballs are your answer if you’ve ever found yourself craving a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re simple, versatile, and incredibly delicious.

Baked meatballs are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or just on their own as a snack.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make flavorful baked meatballs that are juicy on the inside and golden on the outside. They’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Plus, we’ll share some tips, tricks, and serving suggestions to elevate your meatball game.

Baked Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

Let’s start with the basics. You don’t need many fancy ingredients to make great meatballs—just a few simple items that most of us already have in our pantries and fridges. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 lb (450g) Ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix—choose your favorite)
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (you can use regular or gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 Egg
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated gives the best flavor)
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano (for that classic Italian touch)
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil (for greasing, optional)

Optional Ingredients & Variations

Want to add more flavor or cater to specific diets? Here are a few options:

  • Add-ins: Feel free to get creative. Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots can sneak some veggies in there while boosting flavor.
  • Spicy Meatballs: Toss in some red pepper flakes for a little kick.
  • Cheese Lovers: If you’re a cheese fan, try stuffing your meatballs with a small cube of mozzarella.
  • Low-carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or ground flaxseeds instead.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Swap the egg with a flaxseed meal and water for a vegan binder.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making those meatballs!

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Before mixing, ensure everything is prepped and ready to go. Grate your parmesan cheese, mince the garlic, and gather your herbs and spices. Once you have everything, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get mixing!

2. Mix the Meatball Mixture

Combine your ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands (yes, get your hands in there!) to mix everything together.

Don’t overwork the mixture—just mix until all the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, and nobody wants that.

3. Shape the Meatballs

Now it’s time to shape your meatballs. A good rule of thumb is about 1.5 inches in diameter—roughly the size of a golf ball. You can use a cookie scoop or roll them with your hands to make things easier.

If you’re worried about uniformity, a small ice cream scoop can work wonders. The goal is to have them about the same size so they cook evenly.

4. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Once your meatballs are shaped, it’s time to place them on a baking sheet. Line your sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking, or lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil. Space the meatballs out evenly, so they have room to cook properly and get crispy on the outside.

5. Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.

If you want to double-check for doneness, use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) in the center of the meatball.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

  • Avoid Dry Meatballs: Moisture is the secret to juicy meatballs. Adding breadcrumbs and parmesan helps, but if you’re using lean meat (like turkey or chicken), consider adding a tablespoon of milk to the mixture for extra moisture.
  • Shape Uniform Meatballs: If you want your meatballs to cook evenly, ensure they’re roughly the same size. This will help them cook at the same rate and avoid undercooked or overcooked ones.
  • Don’t Overmix: As tempting as it is to really dig into the mixture, be gentle. Overmixing will result in dense meatballs; we want light, tender ones.
  • Rest After Baking: Let your meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist bite.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your meatballs are ready, how should you serve them? Here are a few ideas:

  • Classic Pasta & Marinara: This is the traditional route. Serve your meatballs over a bowl of spaghetti with a hearty marinara sauce.
  • Meatball Sub: Pop a few meatballs in a toasted sub roll, smother with marinara sauce and top with melted mozzarella.
  • On Their Own: Serve them as a simple appetizer with a dipping sauce, or enjoy them as a snack.
  • Salads & Veggies: Meatballs also make a great protein-packed topping for a fresh salad or alongside roasted veggies for a lighter meal.

Conclusion

Baked meatballs are a dish that combines simplicity with comfort, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack.

With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful, satisfying, and completely customizable dish. Whether you keep it traditional or go off the beaten path with add-ins and variations, baked meatballs are always a win.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep meatballs the night before and store them in the fridge. They’ll hold up well overnight. The next day, pop them in the oven for a quick meal.

Q2: Can I freeze baked meatballs?

Absolutely. After baking, let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Q3: What’s the best way to reheat meatballs?

The oven is your best friend here. To get them nice and hot, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, too—just cover the meatballs with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

Q4: Can I use ground chicken or turkey for this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great. Just note that they tend to be a bit leaner than beef, so adding a bit of extra moisture (like milk or olive oil) can help keep the meatballs juicy.

Q5: Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

If you need to skip breadcrumbs for dietary reasons, plenty of alternatives exist! Try using crushed crackers, almond flour, or even cooked quinoa for a different texture.

With these tips and tricks in your back pocket, you can make delicious baked meatballs that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Baked Meatballs Recipe

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