Description
The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meatballs with a golden crust, baked to perfection. Easy, healthier, and perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or meal prep. A foolproof recipe everyone will love! Try it today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. - Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. - Shape Meatballs:
Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). - Serve:
Let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair them with marinara sauce, pasta, or enjoy them as an appetizer!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare and shape the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cooked meatballs last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Cheese Addition: Add small mozzarella cubes to the center of each meatball for a melty surprise!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Best baked meatballs recipe, juicy meatballs, easy baked meatballs, healthy meatballs, Italian meatballs, meatball meal prep