What are some good meatballs? They’re the kind that disappear in minutes, the type that make your house smell like pure comfort. And the kind that always bring a smile to everyone’s face. When was my grandma making these? I was eight years old, perched on a stool in her kitchen, mesmerized by the sizzle of the stove. As she gently turned meatballs, she shook them. She always said, “The secret ingredient is love, honey.” And honestly, I think she was right. How do some meatball recipes are dry? They’re juicy, perfectly seasoned, and have this incredible, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. Compared to those pan-fried ones, these are seriously a game changer.Baked meatballsWhat are some of the best things to do on a busy weeknight? I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. What makes them so good?
What are baked meatballs?
Think of these Baked Meatballs as the ultimate comfort food, reinvented! They’re essentially perfectly seasoned mini-meatloaves, baked to golden perfection, that are incredibly tender and flavorful. They’re not your average spaghetti and meatball situation, though they work fantastically in that role too! What makes these special is the baking method, which locks in all those delicious juices and ensures they’re cooked evenly throughout. We’re talking about a simple meatball that everyone will want to eat. The “baked” part is key here: it means less mess, less fuss, and more evenly cooked meatballs. My family always calls them “Grandma’s Magic Meatballs” after her special way of cooking, and over time, they’ve become our family’s treasured tradition.
Why you will love this recipe?
What are the Absolute Best?flavorWe’re talking layers of flavor, thanks to a secret ingredient (shhh, I’ll tell you in the tips! What are some of the best herbs and spices in the world?simplicityHonestly, this recipe is so easy, anyone can make it! Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, I promise you can nail these. It takes about 30 minutes to get them in the oven and another 30 to bake them, making it really easy to make. What are some quick weeknight meals? What’s more, everything goes into one bowl!cost-efficient. Ground beef is usually very affordable, and with some pantry staples, you’ve got a delicious, fulfilling meal. And finally, the versatilityWhat are some of the best ways to serve these as a sub, smothered in marinara sauce? What are some appetizers with a dipping sauce? What are some of the best meatball recipes? What I love most about this is the way my kids will happily eat them with zero fuss. What is a win in my book?
How do I make Baked Meatballs?
Quick Overview
So, here’s the basic gist: We’re going to mix our ingredients, shape those beautiful meatballs, and then bake them to golden perfection. What’s awesome is that there is no need to brown them. This means less mess and more time saved. We do not require any special equipment, so anyone can make these. The result? Tender, juicy meatballs with that perfect crusty exterior. Just a few ingredients, a simple process, and you’ve got a delicious meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: How is the main battery
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (I prefer 80/20, but use whatever you have! The fat content adds a lot of flavor)
- 1 large egg (this helps bind everything together) 1 small egg.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or Italian breadcrumbs, they provide great texture)
- What kind of milk makes it creamier?
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a lovely salty note)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (for that classic meatball taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because, garlic!) is good for you.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this!)
- What is the best way to ground Black Pepper?
For the Filling:
- The beauty is in simplicity.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade – I’ll share my favorite in the tips! ).
What are the steps of
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)? While it’s heating up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. What is the best way to clean a car? I tend to use parchment, because honestly, who has time to scrub pans? I find that the meatballs cook perfectly in about 25-30 minutes, but every oven is a little different. What are the best ways to keep an eye on your friends?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl (because honestly, one bowl is the best! ), combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder. Salt, and pepper. Give them a quick whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. I like to do this first to make sure the spices are mixed in well. What are some of the best flavors to try?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Set aside. This step is key for binding everything together and adding a little extra moisture. I find that it’s easier to combine the wet ingredients separately so everything mixes in nicely. I’ve tried this with almond milk, and it works wonderfully, making them even creamier!
Step 4: Combine
Now, add the GROUND BEEF to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your hands (the best tool in the kitchen) to gently combine everything. Don’t overmix! Just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing meatballs can make them tough, so treat them with care. Then, pour in the wet ingredients and mix everything together until just combined. When everything is evenly mixed, you know you’re done. You’ll know it after a few minutes.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Is there filling here? What is the next step?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to scoop out the meat mixture and roll it into .25 inch balls. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Aim for about 1-inch meatballs, but don’t stress too much about the size. As long as they’re all roughly the same size, they’ll cook evenly. I always make my meatballs smaller because, well, they’re easier to eat that way. Once all the ingredients are on the sheet, you are ready for the oven!
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are tender. What is the best way to cook a chicken They should be nice and firm to the touch, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Cooking times vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them! If you want a little more color, you can broil them for the last minute or two, but be careful not to overcook them. Let them cool for a few minutes, and that’s it!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling. With the warmed marinara sauce. How much sauce to use? I like a lot, some people like little. I am able to do it. It’s all up to you. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes and then serve!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve meatballs immediately while they’re still warm and juicy! What are some good side dishes to serve with extra marinara sauce? What are some great side dishes to serve with Grilled Cheese? I like to garnish them with fresh parsley for a pop of color, but that’s totally optional. What is the best part about serving?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best baked meatballs? What are some of my favorite ideas?
For Breakfast:If you’re feeling adventurous, these are great in breakfast sandwiches or with eggs. What are some ways to add maple syrup to a glaze? What are some good meatball scramble recipes?
For Brunch:For a fancier brunch, you can serve these on mini brioche buns with some cream cheese. They look so nice and are always a hit!
As Dessert: Okay, I know this sounds weird, but sometimes, after dinner, I’ll make a meatball dessert with a sweet glaze – my kids *love* it. For the sweet glaze, you can experiment with a honey glaze or even a caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra fancy.
For Cozy Snacks: They’re also amazing as a simple snack, dunked in your favorite dipping sauce. My kids will sneak these out of the fridge for a late-night treat, so it’s important to make sure you have enough for everyone! The options are literally endless.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Meatballs
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that help make these meatballs extra special:
Zucchini Prep: If you want to add a hint of zucchini to your meatballs, be sure to remove any excess moisture, because it can make them soggy. Grate the zucchini, and then squeeze out all the water with a clean dish towel or paper towels.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the meat! That’s the key to tender meatballs. Mix until everything is just combined – you want to see small pockets of fat and protein; that’s what gives you the juiciness. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Also, don’t be afraid to use your hands. It’s really the best way to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Swirl Customization: Play with the herbs and spices. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or some fresh basil for extra flavor. Try different combinations to find your favorite! I’ve found that a little bit of nutmeg and a dash of cinnamon gives it an amazing kick.
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or even a mix of both. The cooking time might be a little less, so keep an eye on them. I’ve also tried it with Impossible burger, and it worked really well! For those on a gluten-free diet, just substitute the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or almond flour, and it will be just as yummy.
Baking Tips: If your meatballs are browning too quickly, turn down the oven temperature by 25 degrees. If you are not sure about the internal temperature, then you can cut one in half to make sure that they are ready to serve. It is always best to err on the side of caution.
Glaze Variations: Marinara is classic, but you can play with your glaze. I like to add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a little sweetness. Another delicious idea is to use a balsamic glaze! It really elevates the flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? What leftovers? Seriously though, if you happen to have any (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat your baked meatballs:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Food safety first!
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They taste great even cold!
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze these for up to 2-3 months! Place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them individually first. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to eat, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight or reheat them from frozen.
Glaze Timing Advice: I would add the glaze when serving, because adding the glaze and freezing will change the texture of the sauce. So, it is best to add the glaze right before you serve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my absolute favorite baked meatballs! I hope you love them as much as my family does. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe really is the perfect embodiment of that “secret ingredient” my grandma always talked about – it’s made with love and a little bit of kitchen magic. If you try them, I would LOVE to hear what you thought! Let me know in the comments if you made any changes, added your own favorite spices, or found another great way to serve them. And hey, if you have any other meatball recipes I should try, please share! Happy baking, everyone!
baked meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 blend
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Plain
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.125 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Egg Large
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and browned.
