These easy baked meatballs are so juicy and flavorful that they actually make a great dish on their own.
Why this recipe? 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 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!
Ingredients
Just a few basic ingredients are needed for this easy meatball recipe.
- ground beef
- egg
- breadcrumbs
- onions
- spices - Italian seasoning, garlic salt, salt pepper
- cilantro (optional)
Equipment and Kitchen Tools Needed
- skillet
- baking sheet
- cookie scoop (optional)
How to make Italian Baked Meatballs
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.
For more great easy appetizer recipes, check out:
- 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.
Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe
Time-saving Tip for Making Baked Italian Meatballs
You can use store-bought breadcrumbs to save some time if you do not have old bread or crackers. I like these.
You can use dried minced onion to replace fresh onion.
Don't have cilantro? You can use 1 teaspoon dried coriander instead.
If not using a non-stick pan, you can line the sheet pan with parchment paper.
Make extra meatballs and store in the freezer for the next meal. Let them cool completely and store in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container and use when you need them. Frozen meatballs are best when used within four months, although they will keep longer.
Variations and Substitutions
Ground pork can be added. Just use a ½ ground beef and ½ ground pork mixture.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The best way to enjoy these tender meatballs is to serve 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.
How Long To Bake Meatballs at 350 F?
For 1" meatballs, you will bake them 20-25 minutes.
Can I substitute ground chicken?
Yes, you can easily make baked chicken meatballs by substituting ground chicken for the ground beef.
There are so many great ways to enjoy these.
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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Did you know that National Meatball Day is this week? What better time to try these!
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!