Best Ever Baked Italian Meatballs
We’re mad for meatballs in my family. Whether the meatballs are coated in butter chicken sauce, honey garlic sauce, grape jelly and bbq sauce, or spaghetti sauce, they disappear from the dinner table almost instantly. Somehow I hadn’t yet shared my recipe for classic Italian baked meatballs — better late than never, I suppose! As the name suggests, Italian meatballs are seasoned with Italian seasoning (usually a mixture of dried herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary) as well as fresh garlic and onion. I prefer using a blend of ground pork and ground beef when baking meatballs for both flavor and added moisture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a subtle nutty, cheesy flavor to the meatballs while also helping the meat mixture stick and bind together. Italian breadcrumbs and an egg do the rest of the heavy lifting when it comes to binding the meatball mixture.
Baked Meatballs Are Quick and Easy
Rather than browning the meatballs in a skillet and then baking them, I skip the skillet and throw them straight into the oven. Browning the meatballs first might add a little extra flavor, but it makes a mess of my stovetop, dirties an extra pan, and takes up time that I don’t always have to spare. Baking Italian meatballs at a high temperature works just as well, all while reducing the prep time. The meatballs turn out perfectly moist, tender, and juicy every time and pair well with your favorite spaghetti recipe. Or, stuff the meatballs into a sub or sandwich, add to a pasta bake, or enjoy as is with marinara sauce!
Ingredients in Italian Meatballs
Homemade Italian meatballs require very few ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand:
Milk (any kind) Italian breadcrumbs Ground pork Ground beef Grated Parmesan cheese Onion Cloves garlic Italian seasoning Large egg Salt and black pepper Fresh parsley
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Italian Meatballs in the Oven
This is such an easy baked meatball recipe. Since the meatballs don’t have to be seared in a skillet before baking, the prep work is minimal! Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 2 minutes to soften. Step 2: In a large bowl bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, Parmesan, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, and salt. Add the breadcrumb mixture and stir to combine. Step 3: Scoop out the mixture using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (or ¼ cup measuring cup) on a prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to form the mixture into balls. You can lightly oil your hands with extra virgin olive oil or just water works, too. Step 4: Place the meatballs onto a greased baking tray in a single layer and bake at 400ºF for 15 to 20 minutes and then serve up your cooked meatballs!
How Long Should You Bake Meatballs?
Large meatballs like these Italian meatballs (approx 3 to 4 tablespoons meat mixture per ball) need to bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400ºF. You’ll know the meatballs are done when they’re no longer pink inside, or a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatball reads 165ºF.
Make-Ahead Best Meatballs Instructions
Meatballs freeze well and can be made up to 3 months in advance. Isn’t that what all those store-bought convenience packages of frozen meatballs are! I recommend baking the meatballs now and freezing them for later. Although you can technically freeze meatballs raw, I think they freeze and reheat better when they’re cooked before being frozen.
Tips for the Best Italian Baked Meatballs
Use higher-fat ground meat. I prefer 80/20 lean ground beef and regular ground pork sausage. You need the meat to have some fat in it so the meatballs stay moist and tender without being greasy. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. The milk-soaked breadcrumbs help ensure every nook and cranny of the meatball stays moist and they act as a binder so the meatballs hold together. They also prevent the meatballs from shrinking in the oven. Bring the ground beef and pork to room temp. You want the meat to be room temperature before baking the meatballs. This helps the meatballs cook evenly in the oven and will prevent the exterior from finishing before the interior and makes for overall really tender meatballs. Don’t overmix the meat mixture. If you overwork or overmix the meatball mixture, you’ll end up with tough or dense baked meatballs. Mix the meat and seasonings together just until combined, and work as quickly as possible when shaping into balls. Using fresh herbs? Replace the dried Italian seasoning with 2 teaspoons each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil. Don’t be scared of salt. This recipe uses more than a pound of meat, ¾ cup milk, and ½ cup of Italian breadcrumbs. The herbs and spices in the recipe definitely do their part in flavoring the meatballs, but you need to use a full teaspoon of sea salt to ensure the meat mixture is seasoned properly.
Ways to Serve Italian Meatballs
These oven baked meatballs are so versatile and can be enjoyed in pastas, casseroles, and sandwiches. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
In meatball subs In spaghetti and meatballs In pasta bakes In casseroles In sandwiches In sliders In soups With marinara sauce
Side Dish Ideas for Meatballs
Apart from the obvious choice of pasta, meatballs pair well with green salads, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread. Here are some ideas for what to serve with baked meatballs:
Apple, White Cheddar & Spinach Salad House Salad Fall Harvest Salad Cheesy Roasted Asparagus Mediterranean Cobb Salad Parmesan Balsamic Broccoli Cheesy Bread Rolls Garlic Cheese Flatbread Mashed Potatoes
Storage Instructions for Leftover Meatballs
Leftover baked meatballs will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and 3 months in the freezer. Let the meatballs cool to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container. Consider making a double batch to freeze for future dinners! Then all you have to do is thaw and use them.
More Easy Meatball Recipes:
Spaghetti and Meatballs — A family favorite recipe that never goes out of style! Made with homemade beef and pork baked meatballs, homemade marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti, this Italian classic is sure to get rave reviews! Not only do they taste FABULOUS but both homemade meatballs and homemade marinara are FASTER and EASIER than you may think! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs — These honey garlic meatballs are easy, can be prepped in advance, and hold well at room temp. They’re juicy, tender, and the honey garlic sauce gives them so much flavor! Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad — These FAST and EASY ground beef meatballs are coated are loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors the whole family will LOVE!! Great for busy weeknight dinners or easy-breezy entertaining!! Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs — The EASIEST holiday appetizer that’s made with just 3 INGREDIENTS! People adore these saucy meatballs loaded with FLAVOR! A perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s celebrations and holiday parties. Or make them for your next tailgating or game day party! Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs — The EASIEST slow cooker meatball recipe that’s sure to be a hit at parties and events! Or turn this into a no-fuss weeknight meal and serve these pineapple-infused Hawaiian meatballs over rice! Made with only 6 ingredients so you can just set your slow cooker and let it do all the work! Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs — EASY homemade chicken meatballs that simmer in buffalo wing sauce, seasonings, and spices in your slow cooker! Juicy and full of all the flavor of traditional buffalo chicken wings, minus the messy factor! Great for game day parties, holidays, graduations, or anytime you need an appetizer that kids and adults alike just adore! Tex Mex Meatballs — Tender, juicy homemade beef and pork meatballs with just the right amount of spicy kick! Simmered in chipotle enchilada sauce and smothered with melted cheese, this EASY meatball recipe will become a weeknight family dinner favorite. Or make them as a game day or party appetizer recipe! Cheesy Gnocchi and Meatballs — True Italian comfort food with these beef and pork homemade meatballs along with pillowy gnocchi. Everything is covered in homemade tomato sauce , smothered with cheese, and baked! Easier than it looks, and an instant family favorite that everyone will beg you to make again! Butter Chicken Meatballs — If you’re an Indian butter chicken fan, you’ll love these ground chicken meatballs which offer a unique twist on a beloved dish! Packed with an array of flavorful Indian spices, these EASY meatballs are first baked and then simmered in a rich sauce made with coconut milk, butter, and Greek yogurt! Red Curry Meatballs — Indian-spiced beef meatballs are simmered in a homemade red curry sauce that’s perfectly spicy, savory, and so comforting especially when served over a bed of basmati rice! Learn how to recreate this ethnic dish that’ll IMPRESS your family and friends and have everyone begging for more! Firecracker Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs — Lightly crisped on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, these homemade meatballs are air fried and then coated in a sweet-with-tangy-heat firecracker sauce with the perfect amount of heat! Serve these as an appetizer or as the main course. They’re perfect for parties and events, too! Oven baking instructions provided as well as for how to make them using frozen meatballs.
