why make this recipe
Meatballs are simple and cheap to make. They cook fast in the oven and feed a family. They work for weeknight dinners and for parties, and you can change the flavors easily. They also work for parties; see ideas like holiday cranberry meatballs for a sweet twist.
introduction
This meatball recipe is easy and classic. You mix beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and egg. Then you bake the balls and simmer them in sauce. If you want a fruity version, try a cranberry option like cranberry sauce meatballs.
how to make Meatballs
Work clean and move step by step. Mix the ingredients gently so the meat stays tender. Shape the mixture into even balls so they cook the same. For a party board or a fun serving idea, look at a New Year’s Eve meatballs cheese platter.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Cooked spaghetti (for serving)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
how to serve Meatballs
Serve hot over spaghetti with extra sauce. Add grated cheese on top. You can also serve meatballs on small picks with sauce for a party. Add a side salad or garlic bread.
how to store Meatballs
Cool meatballs before storing. Put them in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Meatballs
- Do not overmix the meat. Mix until just combined.
- Make balls the same size so they cook evenly.
- Use a cookie scoop to get even portions.
- Bake first to set the shape, then simmer in sauce for flavor.
- If the mix is dry, add a splash of milk.
variation (if any)
- Use half pork and half beef for a richer taste.
- Add chopped onion or Italian seasoning.
- Try different sauces: BBQ, sweet and sour, or cream sauce.
- Make mini meatballs for appetizers.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Use the same steps but watch the cooking time. Turkey can dry out, so do not overbake.
Q: Do I have to bake the meatballs?
A: No. You can brown them in a pan and then simmer in sauce. Baking is easier and makes less mess.
Q: Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make and cook them, then cool and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in sauce before serving.
Conclusion
For another simple oven-baked version with clear steps and photos, see EASY Homemade Meatball Recipe (oven-baked!) – I Heart Naptime.
Print
Classic Oven-Baked Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Easy and classic meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs, baked to perfection and served with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Cooked spaghetti (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Notes
Cool meatballs before storing. Keep them in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
