Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

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Plate of easy Italian baked meatballs garnished with herbs
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Last updated on June 2, 2025

If you’re searching for a delicious, comforting meal that’s simple to prepare, look no further than Easy Italian Baked Meatballs. These savory bites are not only appealing to the taste buds but also a joy to make! Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe will guide you through the process step by step. Let’s dive into the flavorful world of Italian cuisine and create something special for your family or friends!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

Easy Italian Baked Meatballs are a fantastic dish for many reasons. First, they are incredibly versatile. You can serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or even on a platter with toothpicks for a party. Second, they are straightforward to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Moreover, this recipe is naturally packed with flavors from the garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, ensuring every bite is delicious. And finally, they make excellent leftovers, so you can enjoy the goodness all over again.

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Plate of easy Italian baked meatballs garnished with herbs

Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

  • Author: Sarah Mendez
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20–24 meatballs 1x
Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Italian Baked Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. Made with pantry staples and baked to perfection, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or your favorite pasta dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
    • 1 lb ground beef: A lean-to-fat ratio of 80/20 works best for flavor and moisture.
    • 2 tsp garlic powder
    • 2 tsp onion powder
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Use regular or panko breadcrumbs to help bind and retain moisture.
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds rich umami flavor.
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
    • Salt and pepper to taste

 

  • Optional Add-Ons:
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (such as oregano or basil)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat
  • 1/4 cup minced onion for added flavor and moisture

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
  3. Shape meatballs: Using clean hands or a scoop, form into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F).
  5. Serve: Enjoy with pasta, on sub rolls, or dipped in marinara sauce!

Notes

  • For softer meatballs, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before adding them to the mixture.
  • Double the batch and freeze extra meatballs for quick meals later on.
  • You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for even richer flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: italian baked meatballs, easy meatballs recipe, baked beef meatballs, gluten free meatballs

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Italian Baked Meatballs:

To create these mouthwatering meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef: This forms the base of your meatballs and gives them hearty flavor.
  • 2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a wonderful aromatic flavor.
  • 2 tsp onion powder: Provides depth and a slight sweetness to the meatballs.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a rich, savory flavor.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
  • 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors.

Optional Add-Ons:

Considering how versatile meatballs can be, you might want to add some optional ingredients:

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  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs: Oregano, basil, or a mix can enhance the Italian flavor profile.
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: If you like a bit of heat in your meatballs.
  • 1/4 cup minced onion: For extra texture and flavor.

    • Feel free to customize this list to suit your taste!

    How to Make Easy Italian Baked Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Let’s transform those ingredients into a plate of beautiful baked meatballs. Follow these detailed instructions:

    Step 1: Preheat the Oven

    Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meatballs will cook evenly and develop a nice, golden color.

    ding" id="step-2-prepare-the-mixture">Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

    • Ground beef
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Breadcrumbs
    • Grated Parmesan cheese
    • Chopped parsley
    • Egg
    • Salt and pepper

    Using your hands or a spoon, mix these ingredients well until fully combined. You want everything to be well-distributed, so no bite is without flavor!

    Step 3: Form the Meatballs

    Once the mixture is ready, take a portion and roll it in your palms to form meatballs. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size offers a satisfying bite, and they will cook evenly.

    ding" id="step-4-prepare-the-baking-sheet">Step 4: Prepare the Baking Sheet

    Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Place your formed meatballs on the baking sheet, giving them a bit of space apart to allow for even cooking.

    Step 5: Bake the Meatballs

    Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. Look for a nice, golden-brown color, and check that they are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 70°C).

    Step 6: Heat the Marinara Sauce

    While the meatballs are baking, take a small saucepan and pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Heat it over medium-low heat. This step allows the sauce to meld with the flavors while you finish baking the meatballs.

    ding" id="step-7-serve-your-meatballs">Step 7: Serve Your Meatballs

    Once the meatballs are baked, remove them from the oven. Place them on a plate and ladle the warm marinara sauce over them. Serve with pasta or in subs for a delightful meal!

    Serving Suggestions for Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

    Easy Italian Baked Meatballs can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some serving ideas:

    ding" id="pro-tips-for-perfecting-your-easy-italian-baked-meatballs">Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

    Want to take your meatballs to the next level? Here are some expert tips:

    Easy Variations for Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

    While the classic version is always a hit, consider these variations for a unique twist:

    Storage Tips to Store Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

    Making a big batch of meatballs? Here’s how to store them properly:

    Conclusion

    Easy Italian Baked Meatballs are not just a simple recipe; they’re a loving tribute to comfort food. With their fantastic flavor and endless versatility, you can enjoy them in many ways. By following this guide, you are equipped to create a delightful dish that will impress family and friends alike. Dig in and savor the deliciousness of homemade Italian meatballs tonight!

    ding" id="fa-qs-about-easy-italian-baked-meatballs">FAQs About Easy Italian Baked Meatballs

    Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

    Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will result in a lighter meatball. Be sure to add seasoning to maintain flavor.

    Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can mix the meatball ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

    What can I serve with meatballs other than pasta?

    Meatballs are versatile and taste great with rice, in wraps, on a salad, or in a sandwich.

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    How do I know when the meatballs are done?

    Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). They should also be golden brown on the outside.

    Can I bake the meatballs directly in the sauce?

    Yes, but be aware that they might have a different texture. Baking them separately helps maintain their shape and crispiness. Once they’re cooked, you can add them to the sauce to soak up flavor.

    Now that you’re armed with a delicious recipe and tips for making Easy Italian Baked Meatballs, it’s time to cook up a storm! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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