Print

Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 88 reviews

This classic Baked Italian Meatballs recipe features tender and flavorful meatballs made with lean ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. Perfectly baked in the oven for a healthier alternative to frying, these meatballs are delicious served with your favorite pasta sauce and noodles or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, these meatballs make a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk (2%)
  • ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup finely minced yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Serving

  • Your favorite pasta sauce
  • Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, milk, crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, finely minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 12 meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball for even cooking.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the formed meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
  6. Remove from Oven: Carefully take the meatballs out of the oven once cooked through and let them rest briefly.
  7. Optional – Heat in Sauce: For extra flavor, heat your favorite pasta sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet with sauce and gently toss to coat and heat through. This step enhances moisture and flavor.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the meatballs over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  9. Store Leftovers: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy reheating and future meals.

Notes

  • Using crushed crackers or breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture as it can make meatballs tough.
  • Measure the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
  • For a lower-carb option, serve meatballs with zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
  • Leftover meatballs can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

Keywords: Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, easy meatballs recipe, healthy meatballs, homemade meatballs, pasta meatballs, Italian dinner, baked beef meatballs

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/baked-italian-meatballs-recipe/