These baked meatballs are juicy, flavorful and made with easy elements you most likely have already got readily available. Simply pop them within the oven for a no-fuss dinner that’s good for pasta night time or simple meal prep.
I’ve shared so many enjoyable twists on meatballs through the years, from turkey meatballs to BBQ rooster meatballs to lentil meatballs, however I noticed I by no means shared a basic beef model. And truthfully, it felt overdue. Generally you simply need that easy, juicy meatball that feels made for spaghetti night time.
I began making these baked beef meatballs for my kiddos and so they cherished them a lot that they shortly grew to become a daily in our dinner rotation. When each Olivia and Tucker ask for seconds, I do know it’s a keeper! I really like them piled over pasta with marinara, however they’re simply as scrumptious on their very own or served with roasted veggies for a lighter possibility.
Why I Love This Baked Meatball Recipe
- Much less mess: No standing over a skillet, no splattering oil and no greasy pans to wash after dinner. The oven makes cleanup a breeze.
- Even cooking: Each meatball bakes up golden and juicy. No extra guessing if the center is finished whereas the surface is already overcooked.
- Arms-off time: As soon as they’re within the oven, you may prep pasta, toss collectively a salad, or simply relaxation earlier than dinner.
- Huge taste: These meatballs are loaded with basic Italian taste.
- Household-friendly: My youngsters love them, and I really like that I can whip up a batch that works simply as effectively for weeknight dinners because it does for meal prep.
Substances Wanted
These baked meatballs come along with a brief listing of fundamentals, however every one has a job to do. Right here’s how all of them work collectively to make flavorful meatballs that bake up completely each time:
- lean floor beef – I’ve examined each 85/15 and 93/7. The 85/15 provides you barely juicier, richer meatballs because of the upper fats content material, whereas 93/7 makes them a bit leaner and firmer. Each style nice, so it actually relies upon when you desire additional moisture or a lighter chew.
- Italian bread crumbs or almond flour – bread crumbs add that basic texture and assist the meatballs maintain form. Almond flour retains issues gluten-free and makes the meatballs softer and a contact extra nutty.
- Italian seasoning and dried parsley – these dried herbs carry the signature Italian taste. The seasoning combine does the heavy lifting, whereas parsley provides a clear, herby end.
- egg – the binder that retains all of the elements working collectively so the meatballs don’t crumble.
- onion powder and garlic powder – rounds out the seasoning and provides the meatballs that cozy, selfmade style.
Discover the total ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card under.
The right way to Make Baked Meatballs
I really like how easy these baked meatballs are to tug collectively. You simply combine, roll and pop them within the oven. Right here’s a peek on the course of earlier than we get into the total recipe:
Step 1: Add all elements to a big bowl. Combine the whole lot collectively till simply mixed.
Step 2: Use a cookie scoop or your palms to portion and roll into evenly sized meatballs.
Step 3: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes.
Step 4: Take away from oven (inner temp ought to be 160°F), serve, and luxuriate in!
My Ideas for the Finest Baked Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meat: Gently mix the elements till simply combined. Overworking the meat could make the meatballs powerful as a substitute of tender.
- Test doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the interior temperature reaches 160°F. It takes the guesswork out and ensures juicy, completely cooked meatballs each time.
- Sauce them whereas scorching: For those who’re planning to toss the meatballs in marinara or one other sauce, do it proper after baking. The warmth helps them absorb the sauce as a substitute of simply sitting on high.
The right way to Serve Baked Meatballs
One of many causes I really like these baked beef meatballs a lot is what number of totally different meals they will flip into. They’re the form of recipe that makes dinner really feel simple as a result of you may costume them up or down relying in your temper (or what’s left within the fridge!).
- Basic consolation – Pile them on high of spaghetti with marinara (or attempt them with spaghetti squash for a lighter possibility) or swirl them right into a creamy alfredo. Nothing beats that cozy, old-school combo.
- Construct-a-bowl – Toss a couple of meatballs right into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice, roasted veggies and your favourite sauce. I really like this feature for meal prep.
- Veggie ahead – Serve them with roasted zucchini or alongside baked candy potatoes for a lighter plate that also feels filling.
- Sub sandwich – Tuck them right into a heat roll with melty mozzarella and sauce for a selfmade meatball sub that rivals any takeout.
The right way to Retailer & Reheat
Leftovers preserve rather well, which makes these baked beef meatballs a complete meal prep win.
- Within the fridge: Retailer cooled meatballs in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days.
- Within the freezer: Place baked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then switch to a freezer bag or container. They’ll preserve for as much as 3 months.
- To reheat: Heat within the oven at 350ºF till heated by, or microwave in 30-second bursts. If reheating from frozen, you are able to do it straight from the freezer, simply add a couple of additional minutes.
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Extra Simple Floor Beef Meals
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