Go Back Email Link
juicy baked meatballs fresh from oven on parchment-lined baking sheet
Isaac blogger

Easy Baked Meatballs

Tender oven-baked meatballs made with simple ingredients for a juicy, flavorful dish that works with pasta, sandwiches, or appetizers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main / Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Meatballs
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Optional for Serving
  • 2–3 cups marinara or preferred sauce (optional)

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Preheat Oven
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Mix Ingredients
  6. In a bowl, gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and seasoning until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Shape Meatballs
  8. Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place evenly spaced on the baking sheet for even cooking.
  9. Bake Safely
  10. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked at the thickest part with a food thermometer. Cooking time may vary depending on oven performance and meatball size.
  11. centers are no longer pink
  12. juices run clear
  13. Rest Briefly
  14. Let meatballs rest 2–3 minutes so juices redistribute.
  15. Optional Sauce Finish
  16. If adding sauce, place meatballs in hot sauce and simmer about 5 minutes, until heated through and steaming.
  17. Serve
  18. Serve hot with pasta, rice, bread, or vegetables.

Notes

  • Mix the meatball mixture gently to keep the texture tender.
  • Keeping meatballs similar in size helps them cook evenly.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on oven temperature and meatball thickness.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven, stovetop sauce, or microwave until heated through.