Name: The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ lb ground pork; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; ⅓ cup milk; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Olive oil for greasing

There’s something irresistible about tender, flavorful baked meatballs fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re serving them over spaghetti, stuffing them into a sub, or enjoying them as a party appetizer, these meatballs are guaranteed to be the star of your meal.

I discovered this recipe when searching for a foolproof way to make meatballs without the mess of frying. With just the right blend of seasonings, these baked meatballs come out perfectly golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor every time.

Why You'll Love This Baked Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to recipe for meatballs! Here’s why these baked meatballs are the best:

Healthier Than Fried: Baking these meatballs in the oven eliminates the need for oil, making them a lighter, guilt-free option.
Perfectly Juicy: The secret mix of breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs keeps these meatballs moist and tender, never dry.
Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to oil splatters! Baking on a lined sheet pan means minimal mess.
Freezer-Friendly: These meatballs freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them later.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these meatballs are a versatile dish you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating meatballs that are packed with flavor and perfectly tender:

Ground Meat: A mix of ground beef and pork delivers the best flavor and texture, but you can use all beef or substitute with turkey or chicken.
Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder to keep the meatballs together. Use plain, seasoned, or even panko breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Milk: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk ensures the meatballs stay moist and tender.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together.
Onion and Garlic: Freshly minced onion and garlic infuse the meatballs with aromatic, savory flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps the meatballs brown beautifully in the oven.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme ensures every bite is packed with classic Italian flavor.
Salt and Pepper: The simplest but most crucial ingredients for seasoning.

For equipment, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

How To Make The Best Baked Meatballs

Making these meatballs is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for perfectly baked meatballs every time:

Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb. Add the ground meat, eggs, grated Parmesan, minced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture and roll it into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Bake the Meatballs
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). For extra browning, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer the meatballs to your dish of choice. Toss them in marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal, or serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer.

In under 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, golden meatballs ready to steal the spotlight!

Storage Options

These baked meatballs are perfect for meal prep or enjoying later. Here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: Let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating Frozen Meatballs: Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to customize it:

Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs: Insert a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar in the center of each meatball before baking.
Herb Lovers: Add chopped fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for extra herbaceous flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option.

This Best Baked Meatballs Recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as the centerpiece of a hearty meal or as a versatile party dish, these meatballs deliver every time. Try them today and enjoy the simplicity, flavor, and comfort they bring to your table!