Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Oven-baked Italian meatballs are a simple and delicious dish that brings classic flavors to your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, they make a great meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and browned on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add a splash of milk to the mixture before forming meatballs.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Mix fresh chopped parsley for a bright flavor boost.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or atop spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake meatballs without making them too dry?
Yes. Avoid overmixing the meat and add ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg to retain moisture. Baking at a moderate temperature and checking for doneness will help keep them juicy.
Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the meatballs, shape them, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
PrintOven-Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe
These Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs are a classic, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef combined with breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection, they offer a juicy, flavorful bite with a crispy exterior, perfect as a main course or complemented with pasta and sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact but not overly compressed.
- Bake Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Notes
- For juicier meatballs, do not over-mix the meat mixture.
- You can add minced garlic or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
- These meatballs freeze well; freeze before baking for meal prep convenience.
Keywords: Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, ground beef meatballs, easy Italian recipe, oven-baked meatballs
