Baked meatballs are a classic dish that many people enjoy. They can be served with pasta, in a sandwich, or even on their own.

If you’re a fan of great meatball recipes and looking for a simple and tasty recipe for baked meatballs, look no further! In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of making delicious homemade meatballs with a few simple ingredients.

About this recipe

These easy baked meatballs are an easy and delicious dish that people of all ages can enjoy. This classic recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients, most of which can be found in most households.

You can eat baked meatballs as an appetizer soaked in homemade tomato sauce, with spaghetti pie, or as part of a delicious Italian soup.

Like this recipe for honey ginger and pork meatballs, and our chicken meatballs, these baked Italian meatballs are so much better than the store-bought meatballs from the grocery store!

What’s in them

This recipe for baked meatballs calls for several simple and flavorful ingredients that work together to create a final result that is a delicious and hearty dish. Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient.

• Ground beef is a staple ingredient in many meatball recipes. It provides a rich, beefy flavor and a good amount of fat to keep the meatballs moist. You can use other ground meats for these as well.

• Ground pork sausage adds a lot of flavor and moisture to the meatballs. It has a slightly sweet and spicy taste that complements the beef.

• Bread crumbs bind the meat together and give the meatballs a good texture. They also absorb moisture, making the meatballs more tender.

• Milk is added to the breadcrumbs to make them softer and to keep the meatballs moist. It also adds a slight creaminess to the meatballs. Add a cup of flour to this to help absorb moisture and keep the meatballs firm.

• Eggs are another binding agent that holds the meatballs together. They also add richness and flavor to the meatballs.

• Fresh parsley adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the meatballs. It has a slightly bitter taste that complements the meat.

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor to the meatballs. It also helps to bind the meatballs together.

• Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme that are commonly used in Italian cooking. It adds a lot of flavor and depth to the meatballs.

• Salt and pepper are added to the meatballs to enhance their flavor and to balance out the other ingredients.

• Marinara sauce: A jar of marinara sauce is used to coat the meatballs and to add a rich and tangy tomato flavor. You can use your favorite brand or homemade marinara sauce.

• Grated mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the meatballs during the last few minutes of baking to add a gooey and melted cheese topping.

By using these simple and flavorful ingredients, you can make delicious baked meatballs that are perfect for any occasion.

How to make these

(Full instructions in the recipe card below.)

Start by pre-heating your oven to 425° F. Then, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. Combine the milk and breadcrumbs in a small bowl and mix them to a pasty consistency.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients (except for the marinara) to the mixture.
3. Use your hands to combine thoroughly.
4. Use a 1-tablespoon size cookie scoop to scoop up the meat and then roll it in the palm of your hands to make a uniform shape. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake these for 10-12 minutes to an internal temperature of 160°F.

6. Take them out of the oven.

7. Pour some of the sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, add the meatballs and the remaining sauce. Cover with the mozzarella cheese and bake for another 10 minutes.

Expert tips

When making baked meatballs, there are some key points to keep in mind to ensure that they turn out delicious and flavorful:

1. Choose the right meat: The recipe calls for a combination of ground beef and pork sausage, but you can use other types of meat if you prefer. Just make sure the meat has a good amount of fat to keep the meatballs moist.
2. Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, such as fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to give your meatballs a flavorful and aromatic taste.
3. Don’t overwork the mixture: When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overwork the mixture. Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough and dry.
4. Soak the breadcrumbs: Soak the breadcrumbs in milk to make the meatballs moist and tender.
5. Form the meatballs evenly: When forming the meatballs, make sure they are all the same size so they cook evenly. You can use an ice cream scoop to make the meatballs the same size.
6. Bake at the right temperature: Bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.

By following these key points, you can make the best meatballs that are delicious and flavorful every time.

How do you store these?

Once you have made your baked meatballs, you may be wondering how to store them. The good news is that they are very easy to store and can last for several days in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.

In the fridge

If you want to store your baked meatballs in the refrigerator, simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can reheat them in the oven or in the microwave before serving.

In the freezer

If you want to store your baked meatballs in the freezer, you can do so by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them for about an hour. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the oven or in the microwave.

Variations and substitutions:

The great thing about baked meatballs is that you can customize them to your liking by using different meats, herbs, and spices. There are many different ways to bake delicious meatballs. Here are some variations and substitutions that you can try:

• Instead of using ground beef and pork sausage, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even lamb.
• Use different seasonings. You can use other dried or fresh herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes. Garlic powder also tastes great in this easy meatball recipe.
• You can use crushed crackers, oatmeal, or cornmeal, instead of breadcrumbs.
• Substitute the milk with buttermilk, cream, or yogurt.
• Instead of using parmesan cheese, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, feta, or gouda.

How to make vegetarian baked meatballs.

It is possible to make a vegetarian version of baked meatballs. Here are some substitutions you can make:

1. Instead of ground beef and pork sausage, use a plant-based meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat.
2. Instead of eggs, use a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
3. Instead of milk, use plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk.
4. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast.
5. Instead of meat-based marinara sauce, use a vegan marinara sauce or make your own using canned tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

By making these substitutions, you can create a delicious vegetarian version of baked meatballs that is just as flavorful and satisfying as the original recipe.

How to Serve Baked Meatballs

The recipe for baked meatballs is a versatile and delicious dish that can be used in many ways. The basic ingredients for this easy baked meatball recipe allow you to enjoy them in many ways:

• As a Main Dish: Baked meatballs can be served as a main dish on their own with a side of vegetables, salad,pasta, and garlic bread. The marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese make a perfect topping for the meatballs and add a lot of flavor to the dish.

• In a Sandwich: Baked meatballs can be used as a filling for sandwiches, hoagies, or subs. Simply place the meatballs on a bun or roll, add a spoonful of marinara sauce and top with mozzarella cheese.

• With Spaghetti or Pasta: Baked meatballs go great with spaghetti or other types of pasta. All you have to do is to cook the pasta, top with marinara sauce, and add the meatballs on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• As an Appetizer: Baked meatballs can be served as an appetizer at a party or gathering. Place them on a platter with toothpicks, along with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

• In a Sub: Baked meatballs can be used to make a delicious meatball sub. Place them on a sub roll, add marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese. Toast the sandwich until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• As a Pizza Topping: Baked meatballs can be part of any delicious pizza recipe. Put on top of a pizza crust, add marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizza in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Meatball soup is comforting and hearty with meatballs, vegetables, and broth. You can use the baked meatballs recipe to make the meatballs and then add them to a pot of broth with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion.

• Meatball sliders are a fun and easy appetizer that features meatballs served on slider buns. You can use the baked meatballs recipe to make the meatballs and then add them to slider buns with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

By using baked meatballs in these ways, you can create delicious and flavorful dishes that are perfect for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

If you enjoy making baked meatballs, there are many related recipes that you might also enjoy.

This recipe can be a great way to introduce young children to cooking and a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy.

These can be served with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own, making them a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. We hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious oven-baked meatballs!

👨‍🍳 Tried this Recipe? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. We love hearing from our readers!
⏩ Stay in touch with us on social media by following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
📬Get our Recipes delivered to your inbox for FREE!

Delicious Meatballs

Meatballs

Cream of Mushroom Meatballs

Casserole recipes

Meatball Sub Casserole

Easy Appetizers

Italian Meatball Stromboli

Meatballs

Asian Meatballs