These baked meatballs are the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and baked until golden and juicy. No frying, no mess, just perfectly cooked meatballs every time.
Advertisements1
Whether you serve them over spaghetti, in a meatball sub, or on their own with a side of marinara, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. The oven does all the work, leaving you free to prepare your favorite sauce or sides.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros. Let's get baking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
Use 80/20 for juiciness; substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
Adds richness and moisture; substitute with more beef if preferred.
1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
Use panko for lighter texture; gluten-free breadcrumbs work too.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated melts better; substitute with Pecorino Romano.
2 large eggs
Bind the mixture; use a flax egg for egg-free version.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best; use 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch.
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
Adds moisture; substitute with unsweetened almond milk.
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
For moisture and flavor; use any neutral oil.
1 tsp salt
Adjust to taste; use kosher salt if preferred.
1/2 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground for best flavor.
1 tsp dried oregano
Substitute with Italian seasoning.
1/2 tsp dried basil
Or use 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil.
Tips & Tricks
- Don't overmix the meat mixture; it can make meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook uniformly.
- For extra flavor, sear the meatballs briefly in a skillet before baking, but it's not necessary.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, milk, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Form Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) meatballs. You should get about 18-20 meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake Meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The meatballs will be browned on the outside and juicy inside.
5. Optional Broil
If you prefer a deeper golden color, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The edges will become nicely caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta, in subs, or as appetizers with dipping sauce.
Delicious Variations
Cheese-Stuffed
Insert a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball before baking for a gooey surprise.
Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to the mixture for a kick.
Swedish Style
Swap the Italian herbs for 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and serve with creamy gravy.
How to Store Baked Meatball Recipe
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for both meats. Use a combination of dark and light turkey for best moisture. The cook time may be slightly shorter, so check for doneness at 20 minutes.
Q: Why are my meatballs tough?
Tough meatballs are usually caused by overmixing the meat. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, avoid packing the meatballs too tightly.
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze them raw and bake straight from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Q: What is the best way to reheat meatballs?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain their texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them rubbery.
Q: Can I use a gluten-free breadcrumb?
Yes, any gluten-free breadcrumb or crushed gluten-free crackers will work. You may need to adjust the amount slightly if the mixture seems too wet.
I hope you enjoy these juicy baked meatballs as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below – I'd love to hear how they turn out. Don't forget to share your photos with me on social media!
Baked Meatball Recipe
Baked Meatball Recipe: juicy, flavorful meatballs baked to perfection in 30 minutes. Serve with pasta or in subs for an easy weeknight meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- 2Combine Ingredients — In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, milk, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- 3Form Meatballs — Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) meatballs. You should get about 18-20 meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- 4Bake Meatballs — Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The meatballs will be browned on the outside and juicy inside.
- 5Optional Broil — If you prefer a deeper golden color, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The edges will become nicely caramelized.
- 6Rest and Serve — Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta, in subs, or as appetizers with dipping sauce.
