There's nothing quite like the aroma of baked meatballs wafting from the oven, promising a delicious, comforting meal ahead. These meatballs are perfectly juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, and loaded with flavor. Whether you're serving them over spaghetti, in a hearty sub, or as a stand-alone appetizer, they're guaranteed to steal the show.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, especially during busy weeknights when I need something easy yet impressive. With a simple blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, these meatballs come together in no time – no frying required!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite way to make meatballs. This method is easy, flavorful, and works perfectly every time.

First, baking meatballs is a game-changer. Instead of standing over a stove frying each one, you simply pop them in the oven, saving time and effort while still achieving that beautiful golden crust.

Second, these meatballs are packed with flavor. Thanks to a mix of Italian seasonings, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, every bite is bursting with savory goodness.

Another reason to love this recipe? It's incredibly versatile. Serve them with marinara sauce and pasta, stuff them into a sandwich, or enjoy them as-is with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re perfect for meal prep, too – you can freeze them for later and have a quick meal ready in minutes.

Finally, they’re a hit with everyone. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving comfort food, these baked meatballs always deliver.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk about what makes these meatballs so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ground Beef and Pork Blend: The mix of beef and pork gives the meatballs their rich flavor and tender texture. You can also use just one type of meat, but the blend is worth trying!
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them moist. I recommend using plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Milk: A splash of milk ensures the meatballs stay soft and juicy.
Egg: Acting as a binder, the egg holds the ingredients together, ensuring the meatballs don’t fall apart.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics are finely minced to distribute evenly throughout the meatballs, enhancing their savory taste.
Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness, chopped parsley works wonders.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil makes these meatballs irresistibly flavorful.

Special equipment? Not much! A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper will make cleanup a breeze. If you have a cookie scoop, it’s perfect for shaping uniform meatballs.

How To Make The Best Baked Meatballs

Creating these meatballs is as easy as mixing, shaping, and baking. Here's a step-by-step guide to guarantee success:

Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your meatballs cook evenly and won’t stick.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them evenly to ensure even cooking.
Bake Until Perfect
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) confirms they’re done.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, serve your meatballs immediately with marinara sauce, pasta, or however you prefer. Don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a finishing touch!

From start to finish, this process takes about 30 minutes – perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep your meatballs fresh and ready for whenever you need them:

Refrigerator: Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, arrange the baked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or simmer them in sauce on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Meat Options: Swap the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or cilantro to change up the flavor profile.
Cheese Lovers: Stuff the meatballs with small cubes of mozzarella for an ooey-gooey surprise.

Whatever adjustments you make, these baked meatballs will still turn out delicious.

Final Thoughts

This baked meatballs recipe is a true kitchen staple, combining simplicity, flavor, and versatility into one perfect dish. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress.

Why not give them a try tonight? Your taste buds – and your family – will thank you!