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A close-up of a bowl of spaghetti topped with homemade meatballs and fresh basil.

Easy Meatball Recipe (That's Absolutely Foolproof!)

This easy meatball recipe delivers juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender results every time. Made with simple pantry staples, these homemade meatballs are perfect for spaghetti, subs, or appetizers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
  • 1/2 cup Plain Breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Milk Whole milk preferred
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Large Egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid and form a thick paste.
  3. Add the ground beef, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
  4. Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the mixture. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball.
  5. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Notes

Tip 1: For extra flavor, you can use a mix of half ground beef and half ground pork.
Tip 2: Don't press the meat too firmly when rolling; a light touch keeps the meatballs tender.
Tip 3: Ensure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).