Best Baked Meatballs Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a plate of savory meatballs fresh out of the oven. Imagine juicy meatballs bursting with flavor, subtly seasoned with herbs and spices, and baked to perfection until they’re golden brown on the outside yet succulent on the inside. Meatballs have this incredible knack for being versatile, and whether you serve them over pasta, in a hearty sub, or on their own with a dipping sauce, they always seem to bring smiles to the table. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—you can whip it up in no time, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. If you love adventures in the kitchen, you’ll find this baked meatball recipe just as delightful as our popular spaghetti and meatballs—both dishes promise a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!
Today, let’s dive into the delightful world of baked meatballs!
What is Best Baked Meatballs Recipe?
Have you ever wondered why meatballs are called “meatballs”? It sounds like the name was conjured up in a fit of culinary creativity, doesn’t it? I like to think of meatballs as little globes of happiness—small, round, and bursting with deliciousness. It’s almost as if an artisan decided that the best way to make meat worth loving was to shape it into adorable spheres! And hey, they say, "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," so maybe that’s precisely why these tasty orbs have found their way into so many hearts (and stomachs)! Not only are they fun to eat, but they’re also easy to make, which is a win-win situation for anyone looking to impress their guests or family. So pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some culinary magic with this baked meatball recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Best Baked Meatballs Recipe
This baked meatball recipe shines for several reasons. First, the main highlight is the incredible flavor packed into each meatball. With a balanced mix of herbs, garlic, and spices, you’ll experience a delightful explosion of taste that keeps every bite interesting. Second, making meatballs at home is a fantastic way to save money without sacrificing quality. Imagine serving your family a delicious meal without breaking the bank! Lastly, these meatballs are incredibly adaptable; you can top them with marinara, sprinkle them with cheese, or serve with a side of fresh veggies—each option is a flavor explosion. If you love another classic like meatball subs, you’ll find this baked version just as satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to make these for dinner tonight!
How to Make Best Baked Meatballs
Quick Overview
The best baked meatballs are not only delicious but also super simple to prepare. With just a short prep time of around 30 minutes and a baking time of 20 to 25 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour. What makes this dish even more appealing is that you can customize it by swapping out ingredients or trying different seasonings, making it a perfect fit for any palate, even the picky eaters!
Key Ingredients for Best Baked Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and milk.
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Mix everything together gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
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Using your hands, shape the mixture into round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each meatball to ensure even cooking.
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Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are nicely browned and cooked through.
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Serve hot, drizzled with marinara sauce and sprinkled with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
What to Serve Best Baked Meatballs With
These delicious baked meatballs can be paired with various complementary dishes to create a well-balanced meal. Consider serving them atop a bed of spaghetti with rich marinara sauce or alongside garlic bread for a comforting Italian feast. Alternatively, you can stuff them into a warm sub roll, topped with melted cheese, for an enticing meatball sandwich experience. For a lighter option, enjoy them with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies to contrast the richness of the meatballs. Don’t forget a nice glass of red wine or a fizzy soda to elevate your meal even further!
Top Tips for Perfecting Best Baked Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to prevent your meatballs from turning out dense—gentle handling is key!
- Experiment with herbs and spices to find the flavor profile that suits your taste buds best.
- For added moisture, you can use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey or chicken.
- If you prefer smaller meatballs, just adjust your cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover baked meatballs can be stored easily! Simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Just ensure they are fully cooked, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months this way. Reheating is simple—just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or you can microwave them for quicker results. Enjoy these flavorful bites anytime!
Now that you have the complete recipe for the best baked meatballs, why not gather your ingredients and bring this delicious dish to life? Your taste buds will thank you!
Best Baked Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and milk.
- Mix everything together gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Serve hot, drizzled with marinara sauce and sprinkled with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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