These easy baked meatballs are so juicy and flavorful that they actually make a great dish on their own.
Looking for a hassle-free meal that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! Our easy baked meatballs recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a comforting homemade meal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite in no time.
This easy Italian baked meatball recipe from scratch makes a juicy and tender meatball. Baked in your oven, they are delicious on their own or in a pasta sauce. This easy recipe is very kid-friendly and bound to be a family favorite.
Be sure to try my cranberry sauce meatballs , BBQ MeatballsSticky Meatballs, and grape jelly meatball recipes - they are both delicious!
Made in your oven, these are great for pastas, soups and stews. Or serve them with a sauce as a tasty appetizer!
Italian Meatball Ingredients
Just a few basic ingredients are needed for this easy meatball recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple recipe with basic ingredients
- Bursting with great flavor
- Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights
- Can be paired with your favorite sauce or served in subs
- Easily customizable to suit your preferences
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have delicious homemade meatballs ready to enjoy. So why wait? Give this easy baked meatballs recipe a try today and let your taste buds thank you later!
Ingredients for the best meatballs
- Lean ground beef
- Egg
- Bread crumbs
- Onions minced
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt
- Garlic salt
- Pepper
Equipment and Kitchen Tools
- skillet
- baking sheet
- cookie scoop (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Customize the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different types of bread crumbs, or try using crushed crackers for added texture.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce or use them to make meatball subs.
How to make this easy meatball recipe
I like making my own homemade meatballs because they are so easy!They are also cheaper to make that to buy them already formed.
It takes just a few minutes to put together and the addition of cilantro compliments the beef well. You can also substitute turkey if you want. I have never tried these with ground chicken, but I bet they would taste great.
I love adding cilantro for a bit of additional flavor, but you can add basil or fresh parsley as an alternative. They bake nicely in the oven so no need to fry in oil. They will be ready for eating as an appetizer, or ready to elevate your pasta our soup recipe.
Use your clean hands to roll the meatballs. It is super easy to do and it is actually kind of fun.
When they are done, they are so juicy and tender and flavorful. I like to eat them with a little tangy sauce for appetizers, with a marinara sauce for spaghetti and meatballs and in my simple meatball soup recipe.
These savory meatballs are so good and there is nothing better than homemade meatlballs.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use lean ground beef for juicier meatballs.
- For added flavor, try using a combination of ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey.
- Ensure the meatballs are placed in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor.
- You can use store-bought breadcrumbs to save some time if you do not have old bread or crackers.
- You can use dried, minced onions to replace fresh onions.
- Don't have cilantro? You can use 1 teaspoon of dried coriander instead.
- If you are not using a non-stick pan, or for easy cleanup, you can line the sheet pan with parchment paper.
STORAGE & SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The best way to enjoy these tender meatballs is to serve them with spaghetti sauce or with a homemade marinara sauce. Then top them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
These are also great in a crusty bread Meatball sandwich.
FAQs About This Recipe
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze for later use.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should register at least 160°F.
Absolutely! Simply place the raw meatballs in your slow cooker with your favorite sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to make a big batch of meatballs for later use. Make extra meatballs and store them in the freezer for the next meal. Let them cool completely, store them in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container, and use them when you need them. Frozen meatballs are best when used within four months, although they will keep longer.
For 1" meatballs, you will bake them 20-25 minutes.
Yes, you can easily make baked chicken meatballs by substituting ground chicken for the ground beef.
More Meatball Recipes & Dips
- Best Grape Jelly Meatballs - So simple with just three ingredients and delicious!
- Vegetable Cream Cheese Dip – An easy cream cheese dip made with fresh vegetables.
- Hot Chorizo Dip– a nice hot appetizer for a cold day or evening. Great with tortilla chips.
- Spicy Hummus – Hummus with a little spice for a kick.
- Blue Cheese Chive Dip – a wonderful easy dip that goes with vegetables.
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs - delicious buffalo wing flavor in a meatball.
📖 Recipe
Easy Baked Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon onions minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.
- In mixing bowl, bet egg.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Mix together until well blended, it is best to use your hands.
- Form the meatball mixture in balls (about 1 ½″ each) and place in a single layer on a greased or dark cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
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Tamara
Seriously? I'm doing a blog post on meatballs this week! On Wednesday! That is too funny. I'm happy to be celebrating.
These look yummy.
Raquel
That's awesome! Can't wait to check your recipe out. I LOVE meatballs!
Akaleistar
Mmm, I love meatballs 🙂
Raquel
Me too! They are so versatile!