Easy Homemade Meatball Recipe

This easy meatball recipe is so easy to make and come out juicy and flavorful every time. They’re perfect for appetizers, subs or on top of spaghetti!

If you’re a fan of Italian food, you’re going to love this easy meatball recipe for dinner! It’s a staple and is so simple to whip up in just 30 minutes. You’ll also love my homemade bolognese, crockpot lasagna and meatloaf recipe.

Family Favorite Dinner

These baked meatballs are always on our monthly rotation. Spaghetti and meatballs are one of my kid’s favorite dinners…they request them almost every week. And because they are one of my favorite easy ground beef recipes plus super flavorful, I have no problem with that! If there’s leftovers, we usually make meatball sliders.

I love that you can bake them in the oven…it makes them so simple to whip up and keeps the meatballs juicy. Once they cook in the oven, all you have to do is simmer them for a couple of minutes with marinara sauce while you cook the pasta. 

Sometimes I’ll even make my own homemade tomato sauce if I have some fresh tomatoes on hand. We also love to serve with roasted vegetables and garlic bread.

Ingredients

To make these homemade meatballs, you’ll need the simple ingredients below.

Find the full printable recipe with measurements below.

• Ground beef – I typically use 80% lean ground beef. It’s not overly greasy, while still containing enough fat to make the meatballs moist and juicy. You could also use half beef and half Italian sausage.
• Egg – This is used as a binder to hold the meat mixture together. Whisk the egg first before combining with the beef.
• Breadcrumbs – These help absorb the juices in the meat, so that your meatballs stay juicy and flavorful on the interior.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor.
• Onion – Fresh chopped onion is my preference, but onion powder is also a great substitute if you don’t have any on hand.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a robust flavor. You may also swap with garlic powder if you’d like.
• Salt and pepper – Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are a simple way to elevate the flavor.
• Parsley – This is optional, however I love to add fresh chopped Italian flat leaf parsley to my homemade meatballs. It adds a slightly peppery taste and makes the flavor more vibrant.

How To Make Homemade Meatballs

1. Combine: Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until combined. If needed, add a Tablespoon of milk to keep mixture wet.
2. Shape: Scoop the meat from the bowl and form into 1 1/2″  balls. Then place meatballs on baking sheet.
3. Bake: Place onto prepared baking sheet and bake meatballs uncovered for 17-20 minutes, or until middle is no longer pink. Flip halfway through.
4. Simmer: If desired, simmer with marinara sauce for 10 minutes and serve over cooked pasta.

Cooking Tips

Once these meatballs are baked and ready to eat, this will be the best way to enjoy meatballs when you are ready to eat. Place these meatballs in a slow cooker to make cranberry meatballs or Hawaiian meatballs for added flavor!

• Don’t over mix! Over-mixing can make the meat tough.
• Use a cookie scoop (an ice cream scoop works too) to make the meatballs equal in size. This will ensure they all cook the same.
• If your mixture is too dry when combining, add a Tablespoon of milk to keep it wet.
• Make sure to flip the meatballs halfway through so that the bottoms don’t burn!
• If you don’t have fresh garlic or onion on hand, sub with garlic and onion powder.
• Got an air fryer? Make air fryer meatballs instead.

Can You Freeze Leftover Meatballs?

Yes, you can definitely freeze the leftovers, or make a double batch for later. All you need to do is allow them to cool. Then transfer the meatballs to a clean baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once they harden in the freezer, transfer to a ziptop bag or freezer container. Label and place them back in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To thaw, place the in the refrigerator overnight. I like to take them out of the freezer and add the meatballs to the slow cooker with marinara sauce. I just cook them on low for 2-3 hours for an easy dinner later on!

More Delicious Meatball Recipes

• Swedish meatballs
• Meatball soup
• Teriyaki meatballs
• Chicken meatballs
• Instant pot meatballs
• Crockpot meatballs

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