What are baked meatballs? These are the kind that take you right back to Sunday dinners at Grandma Rosa’s, where the air was fresh. Is the smell of tomato sauce thick? Forget frying – baking them gives you the most tender, juicy meatballs ever, and honestly, it’s way better than cooking them. Is this meatball sub filler better than any other? What are some of the best ways to make baked meatballs when you don’t have time for fussing? They’re just that good.
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What are baked meatballs?
Think of baked meatballs as the ultimate comfort food: ground meat (I prefer a mix of beef and pork, but we’ll get to that later) blended with seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a touch of love, then baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s essentially a hands-off way to make tender, flavorful meatballs without the splatter and constant attention that frying demands. The baking process seals in the juices and creates a delightful crust on the outside while keeping them incredibly moist inside. They’re perfect for everything, from topping spaghetti to making meatball subs. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There’s so much to love about this recipe! First off, the flavor is incredible. The combination of beef and pork gives a richness that’s hard to beat, and the Italian seasoning blend brings that classic, comforting taste. It’s a symphony of savory goodness that just makes you feel good. But what I love most about these baked meatballs is how easy they are to make. Honestly, anyone can do it, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. Just mix everything together, roll them into balls, and pop them in the oven. Plus, these are incredibly cost-effective. Ground meat is relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile. Serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or even as appetizers. They’re a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! I’ve tried other meatball recipes, but this one consistently delivers the best flavor and texture. It’s truly a winner.
How do I make baked meatballs?
Quick Overview
Making these baked meatballs is easier than you might think! You’ll start by mixing the ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Then, you’ll roll the mixture into individual meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. After that, they go into a preheated oven to bake until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The beauty of this method is that you can set it and forget it while the oven does all the work. No constant stirring or flipping required! The result is tender, juicy meatballs that are perfect for any occasion. It’s so easy, it’s a no brainer!
Ingredients
For the Baked Meatballs: How can
2 lbs Ground Meat (I like a mix of 1 lb Ground Beef and 1 lb ground pork. The pork adds a lot of flavor!)
1 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned are my go-to, but plain works too)
2 large Eggs (These help bind everything together)
1/2 cup Milk (Keeps the meatballs moist)
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Adds a salty, savory note)
2 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh is best!)
2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (A must-have for that classic Italian flavor)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Sauce (Optional, but highly recommended):
1 (24 ounce) jar Marinara Sauce (Your favorite brand will do) 1/4 cup water (To thin the sauce) 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Just to boost the flavor a bit) (just to taste)
What is the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean meatballs? Is it worth the extra step?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed. How do you make the flavors meld together?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Then, add the minced garlic and stir well. How can I make garlic finely minced so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors?
Step 4: Combine
What is the best way to mix wet and dry ingredients in a bowl? What is ground meat? Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough. You want the mixture to be uniform but still light and airy.
Step 5: Roll the Meatballs
How do you make meatballs? Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. How do I make them brown evenly?
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are tender. Is it possible to cook a steak until golden brown? The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you’re using a meat thermometer, insert it into the center of the meatball to check.
Step 7: Make the Sauce (Optional)
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the sauce (if using). In a saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and add them to the sauce (if using). Serve hot with your favorite pasta, in a sandwich, or as appetizers. Enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of my favorite ways to serve baked meatballs?
With Pasta:What is the classic choice? Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, penne, or linguine. What are some good Side Dishes to serve with garlic bread?
In Meatball Subs: Load up a hoagie roll with meatballs, sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
As Appetizers: Serve the meatballs on their own with toothpicks for dipping. You can even offer a variety of sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or a Creamy Garlic dip.
Over Polenta:For a cozy and comforting meal, serve the meatballs and sauce over creamy polenta. What are some good substitutes for pasta?
We always have them on top of Cheesy Garlic Bread, or even on their own with a little bit of that. What are some good sauces for This has been a family tradition for years, and these baked meatballs have never failed us!
How do I make baked meatballs?
How do I take baked meatballs to the next level? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?
Don’t Overmix:If you overmix meatballs, it can make them tough. Mix everything together gently until just combined.
Use a Mix of Meats: Use the same mix ofWhat is the best combination of beef and pork? What does pork add to a dish?
Add breadcrumbs: AddBreadcrumbs help bind meatballs together and keep them moist. I prefer Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Don’t skip the egg: What are some good Eggs act as a binder and help the meatballs hold their shape during baking.
How do I use fresh garlic?Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent flavor that pre-minced can’t match.
What is the best way to bake at the right temperature?How do you bake meatballs at 400°F? Golden-brown crust
Don’t overbakIf you overbake meatballs, you can make them dry. Bake them until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Simmer in Sauce: If you’re serving the meatballs with sauce, simmer them in the sauce for a few minutes after baking. This will allow them to absorb the flavors and become even more tender.
One time I forgot the breadcrumbs (oops!), and the meatballs were just a disaster. They fell apart during baking, and it was not a pretty sight. Always remember the breadcrumbs! I also accidentally overbaked them once, and they came out dry and crumbly. I learned my lesson that day: don’t overbake!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These baked meatballs are great for meal prepping because you can easily store and reheat them! Here are some tips:
Room Temperature: You shouldn’t leave them at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the baked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing them.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the baked meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: Thaw the frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat them in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. When reheating in the oven, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat on the stovetop, simmer them in sauce over medium heat until heated through. If you use the microwave, always cover the meatballs and heat for one minute at a time. This keeps them moist, and lets you check the temperature frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These baked meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of home, a connection to family, and a reminder of simple pleasures. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Italian-inspired dishes. I can’t wait to hear how your baked meatballs turn out, so please come back and leave a comment. Happy cooking!
Juicy Baked Meatballs: An Easy Family Favorite
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons vegetable oil for sautéing aromatics
- 1 cup white onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs unseasoned
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1.5 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 80% lean
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 3 cups tomato sauce store-bought or homemade
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions for 4-5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs, then add to the dry ingredient mixture to create a paste.
- Combine ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Add the sautéed onion mixture and breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs, covering them completely.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella, and continue baking for 15 minutes or until cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Broil for 2 minutes for a golden cheese top if desired. Let cool slightly, then garnish with basil and serve.
