Forget the splatter and mess of pan-frying. This recipe for Oven Baked Meatballs is your new go-to for perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful meatballs every single time. They’re incredibly simple to prepare, bake to a beautiful golden brown, and are endlessly versatile. Whether you’re piling them on spaghetti, stuffing them into a sub, or serving them as an appetizer, this is the only recipe you’ll ever need.
We’re using a classic blend of ground meat, Italian seasonings, and a simple panade (a mix of breadcrumbs and milk) to guarantee they stay moist and delicious inside. The oven does all the hard work, freeing you up and making cleanup a breeze. Get ready to make the best meatballs of your life!
Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked Meatballs
You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and incredible results. Here’s why it stands out:
- Incredibly Easy: Just mix, roll, and bake. There’s no need to stand over a hot skillet, and the meatballs cook evenly without any fuss.
- Juicy & Flavorful: The combination of a panade and the right blend of seasonings ensures every meatball is packed with flavor and has a wonderfully tender texture.
- Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying uses less oil, making these meatballs a lighter choice without sacrificing any of the taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for making ahead. Cook a big batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick and delicious meals all week long.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create these amazing meatballs.
- Ground Meat: A combination of ground beef and ground pork is a classic choice for rich flavor and tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor and act as a binder.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that is essential for authentic Italian meatballs.
- Egg: A large egg helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Milk: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk creates a panade, which is the secret to incredibly moist meatballs.
- Seasonings: Finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper provide the classic, aromatic flavor profile.
- Onion: Grated or very finely minced yellow onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
For a fantastic weeknight meal, you can serve these alongside some crispy `Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts` for a complete and balanced dinner.
How to Make Perfect Oven Baked Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof meatballs every time. The key is a gentle hand and letting the oven do the work.
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Panade: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the liquid. This simple step is crucial for juicy results.
- Add Flavor: To the panade, add the beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, grated onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Add the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix the meat with the other ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop the mixture and gently roll it into 1.5-inch balls (a cookie scoop works perfectly for uniform size!). Place the meatballs in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Expert Tips for the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Meatballs
Want to elevate your meatball game? Keep these professional tips in mind.
- Don’t Overmix: This is the most important rule! Mix the meat until the ingredients are just incorporated. Overworking the mixture develops the proteins, resulting in tough, rubbery meatballs.
- Fat is Flavor: Don’t use extra-lean ground meat. An 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef blend provides enough fat to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful as they bake.
- Use a Scoop: Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to portion the meatballs. This ensures they are all the same size and cook evenly in the oven.
- Grate Your Onion: Instead of dicing, grate your onion on a box grater. This releases its juices and allows the flavor to distribute more evenly without leaving large chunks.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Meatballs
These oven baked meatballs are a fantastic blank canvas. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: Simmer the baked meatballs in your favorite marinara sauce and serve over a bed of pasta.
- Hearty Meatball Subs: Pile them into a toasted hoagie roll, top with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese. This is a perfect use for some `homemade Amish White Bread`.
- Appetizer Style: Serve them on their own with a dipping sauce, like a creamy garlic aioli or a spicy tomato jam.
- Comfort Food Bowl: Serve them over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or even in a hearty `Beef Stew` for an extra protein boost.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. Here’s how to do it right:
Storing Cooked Meatballs
Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze Meatballs
For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. First, place the cooked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months. You can also freeze them uncooked using the same method.
How to Reheat
Reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs directly in a simmering sauce on the stovetop until warmed through. Alternatively, you can place them in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Oven Baked Meatballs FAQs
Yes, these meatballs freeze beautifully. You can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. For best results, flash-freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
The most reliable way to know when meatballs are done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C). Visually, they should be firm and browned on the exterior.
At 400°F (200°C), meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter typically take 18-22 minutes to bake. They should be nicely browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
You don’t need to sear meatballs before baking them. Baking at a high temperature like 400°F allows them to develop a delicious brown crust without the extra step and mess of searing.
The secret to juicy meatballs is twofold: using a panade (a mixture of a starch like breadcrumbs and a liquid like milk) and not overmixing the meat. The panade adds moisture, while gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender.
The Best Oven Baked Meatballs Recipe
Oven Baked Meatballs (The Easiest, Juiciest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes until the milk is absorbed.
- Add the beaten egg, grated Parmesan, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overwork the mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until browned and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C).
Notes
Storage: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tried This Recipe?
If you’ve made these delicious Oven Baked Meatballs, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and rating below to let us know how they turned out. Your feedback helps us and other readers! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
