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.
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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
- Combine: Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until combined. If needed, add a Tablespoon of milk to keep mixture wet.
- Shape: Scoop the meat from the bowl and form into 1 1/2″ balls. Then place meatballs on baking sheet.
- Bake: Place onto prepared baking sheet and bake meatballs uncovered for 17-20 minutes, or until middle is no longer pink. Flip halfway through.
- 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!
FAQs
One of my favorite tips for making moist meatballs is to use half ground beef and half pork. Since pork is a bit fattier, it makes the meatballs super tender. You can also add a Tablespoon or two of milk if you find the mixture is too dry
If I’m making a classic Italian meatball recipe, I like to use lean ground beef. Sometimes I’ll add in ground pork to make them a little juicier. I save ground sausage for breakfast meatballs. If you’d rather use ground turkey, check out this turkey meatball recipe or browse all my easy meatball recipes.
I like to use breadcrumbs in this baked meatball recipe because they absorb the natural juices and help the meatballs to keep their shape. If you don’t have breadcrumbs in your pantry you can use crushed crackers. You can also make homemade breadcrumbs by toasting a few slices of bread. Then place in a food processor and pulse into crumbs.
Yes, you can make them up to 3 days advance. Simply allow them to cool and then place in an air tight container. Rewarm in the oven or stove for a few minutes, tossing occasionally until heated through.
More Delicious Meatball Recipes
- Swedish meatballs
- Meatball soup
- Teriyaki meatballs
- Chicken meatballs
- Instant pot meatballs
- Crockpot meatballs
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Easy Meatball Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef (could sub with half ground pork)
- 1 large egg , beaten
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley , optional
Optional serving: 2 cups marinara sauce, cooked noodles, grated parmesan cheese, basil, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the meat, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley, if using.
- Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the meat mixture. Form into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered 17 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle. Turn halfway through, so the bottoms don't brown.
Optional Way to Serve
- Simmer meatballs with marinara sauce, if desired, for 10 minutes.
- Serve meatballs on their own or serve over spaghetti noodles. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- You can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and onion powder if you do not have fresh garlic and onions. You may also use 2 teaspoons dried parsley if you do not have fresh.
- If I have pork on hand, I like to use 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork. It creates juicier meatballs. You can also do half ground beef and half ground turkey to cut back on fat.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Beef, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Italian, Reader Favorites
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
About how many meatballs would you say this recipe makes? I’m gonna cook spaghetti for 6 people and I’m wondering if I should double the recipe or not? Can’t wait to try these! They sound super easy and delicious!
Hi Emilie – it makes about 25 meatballs (5 servings with 5 meatballs per serving). If you end up doubling the recipe, you can freeze some for later. They freeze great!
Absolutely loved this recipe I put a bit more black pepper for flavor and my family loved it
I’m so happy to hear your family loved the meatballs, Mia!
Super easy and delicious!!!!
I used a convection oven, put on a wire rack so I didn’t have to turn and reduced time to 15 min. Let cool before trying to remove from wire rack. Very tasty and so easy.
Thanks for the tips, Angel! So glad it worked for you :)
Hi Scott, if you click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page, it will take you to the recipe card with the exact measurements for the ingredients.
This was incredibly easy and very good. It was so good that next time I make it, I will serve it as steak tartar. I couldn’t help nibbling at it. I did at a dash of fennel seeds to the mixture for the meatballs.
Fennel seeds sound like a delicious addition! So glad you liked them :)
I opted for a double batch. I doubled all, but the parsley. I used dried Italian herbs instead and just slightly more than a single batch called for. Used some for lunch and froze the rest. YUM!
I love doubling the recipe and freezing half! Perfect for easy dinners on a busy weeknight :)
This was quick, easy and delicious!!!
I’m so glad you liked the meatballs!
These are delicious!!! I used 90% lean meat and they still came out juicy and perfect. My husband’s new favorite.
I’m so glad they were a hit!
Hiya, thank you for the well written recipe.
Please can I skip the parmesan cheese altogether??
Thank you
Yes you can :)
These meatballs r AMAZING!! I was surprised to see how far 1 pound of beef stretched for the meal… And I absolutely love the cheese, the mozzarella cheese, that I substituted for Parmesan cheese since it was the only cheese I had on hand. Let’s just say it’s so good that my son hasn’t moved, just smiled n moaned afterwards! lol But seriously, I’m smiling n moaning wit him n I’m SOOOO FULL!!! Yummy 😋
Thanks so much for your nice comment, Jessica! I’m so glad to hear that you and your son loved the meatballs!
The best meatball recipe. Juicy, tasty and easy. I am out of Parmesan cheese so replaced with shredded cheddar cheese and it taste nice too.
I’m so glad you loved it! :)
just wow
I didn’t have bread crumbs so I grounded up pretzels I had I also sautéed the onion and garlic in little olive oil just till they sweated . Came out yummmmm
That sounds like a delicious substitution! So glad you liked them!
It was excellent and easy – I substituted bread crumbs made from Keto friendly bread we buy at Aldi’s as my husband is on a keto diet. You would never know.
Thanks for sharing your substitution, Penny! I’m glad you were able to easily make the swap!
Excellent. I was out of eggs, so I replaced with 1 tbsp of chia seeds soaked in milk.
Glad it worked well :)
Make great meatball subs. I rolled the meatballs in bread crumbs before baking and they turned out delicious
Thanks for the comment, Jennifer! We love using these to make meatball subs too :)
This was the best meatball ever! Thank you!
You’re welcome! So glad you liked them :)