The Tastiest Baked Meatballs (Perfect Every Time!)

Baked meatballs are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. These tender, delicious bites of meat can be served as an appetizer, as a main course, or even added to pasta dishes. What sets this recipe apart is the combination of ingredients and the baking method, which guarantees an evenly cooked result every time.

To create the perfect baked meatballs, it’s all about the combination and balance of ingredients. My recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry already! The Italian seasoning adds a delicious flavor to each meatball taking them to the next level!

What’s best is that this recipe is an absolute family favorite and the kids love it too! This recipe is not only super easy to make but gives foolproof results every single time. I’m sure this is going to become your new go-to meatball recipe!

Whether you choose to serve these baked meatballs as an appetizer with a tangy tomato sauce for dipping, as the main attraction in a hearty meatball sub, or atop a bed of pasta with a tasty marinara sauce, their versatility makes them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. 

Want to learn how to make this baked meatballs recipe? Then keep on reading.

Table of Contents

• What are Baked Meatballs?
• What Makes This Baked Meatballs Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Baked Meatballs at Home
• How to Make Baked Meatballs (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best  Baked Meatballs Ever
• Serving Suggestions for Baked Meatballs
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Baked Meatballs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftover Baked Meatballs
• Similar Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• The Tastiest Baked Meatballs (Perfect Every Time!)
• Comments

What are Baked Meatballs?

Baked meatballs are a type of meatball dish that is cooked in the oven instead of being fried. They are typically made with a mixture of ground meat, eggs, and various seasonings.

One of the main benefits of baking meatballs is that it is a healthier cooking method compared to frying. Baking allows the excess fat to drip away from the meatballs, resulting in a lower calorie and lower fat dish.

Plus, baking meatballs can also help to retain their shape and texture. The oven heat helps to cook the meatballs evenly and prevent them from falling apart or becoming too greasy. This results in meatballs that are tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Baked meatballs also have the advantage of being easy to prepare. Once the meatball mixture is formed into balls, they can simply be placed on a baking sheet and popped into the oven. This makes them a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Baked meatballs truly offer a much healthier alternative to traditional fried meatballs. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or even on its own as an appetizer. I’m sure you’re going to love it as much as I do!

What Makes This Baked Meatballs Recipe Special?

Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal prep work and can be whipped up in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Versatile: These baked meatballs can be made with various types of ground meat such as beef, chicken, or turkey, allowing you to cater to different dietary preferences or restrictions.

Delicious: The combination of flavorful herbs and spices in this recipe makes sure that each meatball is packed with goodness. The baking process helps to lock in the flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering experience.

Healthy: Unlike traditional fried meatballs, these baked meatballs are a healthier option as they require little to no added oil. They are also a great source of protein, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving these meatballs as an appetizer, main course, or even in a sub sandwich, they are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. The juicy, tender texture combined with the amazing flavor profile will leave your guests coming back for more.

What You Need to Make Baked Meatballs at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this baked meatballs recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

• Ground beef: We will need ground beef to make this dish. It will provide a juicy and flavorful base and serve to add richness and depth of flavor. I prefer grinding the meat at home the clean way and you can check that out HERE.
• Ground turkey breast: We will also need ground turkey breast. It will make the dish leaner and lighter, while still providing a delicious and tender texture.

• Onion: Next we will need an onion which will add a savory and aromatic element to the meatballs.
• Garlic clove: We will also need garlic clove. It will infuse the dish with a bold and pungent flavor.
• Sea salt: Remember to use some sea salt. It will enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients and guarantee a well-balanced and seasoned dish. 
• Italian seasoning: We will need Italian seasoning which will help bring a harmonious blend of herbs and spices to the dish, adding a distinct Italian flair.
• Paprika: Next, we will be adding some paprika which will provide a subtle smokiness and a vibrant red color to the dish.
• Black ground pepper: We will also need some black ground pepper. It will add a mild heat and a touch of spiciness to the dish.
• Large egg: We will need one large egg as well. It will act as a binding agent and help to hold the ingredients together and give structure to the dish. 
• Olive oil (for greasing hands): We will also need some olive oil to grease our hands while working with the ground meat. It will prevent the mixture from sticking to the hands, making it easier to shape into patties or meatballs.

How to Make Baked Meatballs (Step-by-Step)

Making these incredible baked meatballs is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

How to Make Baked Meatball Mixture

Begin by grinding the meat using a meat grinder or food processor. Make sure the meat is well-ground and evenly textured.

Preheat your oven to 375°F and make sure that it is hot and ready for baking the meatballs later on.

Grate garlic and half of an onion using a grater or a food processor. This will add flavor and moisture to the meatballs.

In a mixing bowl, add the ground meat, grated garlic and onion, sea salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black ground pepper.

Using a hand mixer or your hands, mix all the ingredients together for about 2 minutes, or until they are thoroughly combined. This will guarantee that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

To prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands, dip a few fingers into olive oil and then use the oiled fingers to grease your palms.

Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, scoop out a portion of the meat mixture and roll it between your greased palms to form a ball. Aim for each meatball to be about 1.5 inches in diameter. Rolling the meatballs evenly will help them cook evenly and have a uniform shape.

How to Bake Meatballs

Place the formed meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet and make clean-up easier.

Once all the meatballs are formed and placed on the baking sheet, transfer the sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes at 375°F. This will make sure that the meatballs are cooked through and safe to eat.

After 20 minutes of baking, switch the oven to broil mode. This will give the meatballs a nice golden crust on the outside. Broil the meatballs for an additional 3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Once the meatballs are done baking and broiling, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. 

Your delicious Baked Meatballs are ready to be served!

Tips for Making the Best  Baked Meatballs Ever

Preheat the oven: Before you start making the meatballs, preheat your oven to the specified temperature. This helps to make sure that the oven is hot and ready when it is time to bake the meatballs, resulting in even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Use fresh ingredients: When making meatballs, it is important to use fresh ingredients, especially ground meat. Fresh meat will have better texture and flavor, resulting in tastier meatballs.

Don’t overmix the meat: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, be careful not to overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Use an ice cream scooper: To guarantee that your meatballs are all the same size and cook evenly, use an ice cream scooper or a cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture. This will help you achieve evenly sized meatballs.

Place meatballs on a baking rack: Instead of placing the meatballs directly on a baking sheet, place them on a baking rack set inside the sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the meatballs, resulting in a crispy exterior all around.

Rotate the meatballs halfway through cooking: To guarantee even browning, rotate the meatballs halfway through the cooking time. This will help them cook evenly and prevent one side from becoming too dark.

Let the meatballs rest before serving: After the meatballs are done baking, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meatballs to become more tender.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Meatballs

1. Serve the baked Italian meatballs on top of a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor.
2. Make meatball subs by slicing open a hoagie roll and filling it with the baked meatballs. Top with melted mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of garlic butter for a delicious and hearty sandwich.
3. Create a meatball pizza by spreading marinara sauce on a pre-made pizza crust and topping it with baked meatballs, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve the meatballs as an appetizer by skewering them with toothpicks and serving alongside a dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or marinara.
5. Make a meatball stir-fry by cooking the baked meatballs in a skillet with chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. Stir in a soy sauce and honey mixture for a sweet and savory dish that can be served over rice or noodles.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Baked Meatballs

This delicious baked meatballs recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Spicy: Add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for an extra kick. This is perfect for those who enjoy spicy food and want to add some heat to their meatballs. Top it with some fresh parsley to take it to the next level. 

Cheese: Mix in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the meat mixture before shaping into balls. As the meatballs bake, the cheese will melt and create a rich, cheesy center. This is a must-try for cheese lovers.

Italian: Incorporate a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, to the meat mixture for a burst of flavor. This is ideal for those who enjoy the classic flavors of Italian cuisine.

Asian: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of grated ginger, and a tablespoon of chopped green onions to the meat mixture for an Asian twist. Serve these meatballs with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce for a delicious fusion meal.

Mediterranean: Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a teaspoon of dried oregano, and a tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese to the meat mixture. These meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors and can be served with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the meatballs hold together?

To make the meatballs hold together, it is important to use a binder such as eggs or bread crumbs. This will help bind the ingredients together and prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use a different type of ground meat such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork instead of beef. You can even add italian sausage to it. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as different meats may have different cooking times.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?

The easiest way to check if the meatballs are cooked is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a meatball. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked meatballs.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. After shaping the meatballs, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can be convenient for meal prep or when planning to serve the meatballs at a later time.

How to Store Leftover Baked Meatballs

To store leftovers, first allow the meatballs to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place the container or wrapped meatballs in the refrigerator and they can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

When ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can simply reheat the meatballs in the oven or on the stove. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. 

If reheating on the stove, place the meatballs in a saucepan with a little bit of water or sauce to prevent them from drying out. Heat them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.

You can also freeze these baked meatballs for up to 2 months. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container before popping them into the freezer. Allow them to thaw overnight before reheating. It’s important to note that the texture might not be as crispy after they’ve been frozen. 

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This recipe was originally posted on May 19, 2017 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.