Baked Italian Meatballs

The moment you pull these Baked Italian Meatballs from the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, savory aromas of garlic and Italian herbs. This recipe, ready in just about 30 minutes, offers a delightful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The combination of fresh ingredients and the perfect baking time ensures these meatballs are tender and flavorful.

This recipe is perfect for families looking for a quick weeknight dinner or for anyone who loves Italian cuisine. It’s an excellent make-ahead option, as you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them until you’re ready to bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These meatballs are juicy and bursting with flavor thanks to the mix of herbs and cheese.
• They bake quickly, making dinner prep a breeze.
• You can serve them with any pasta or zucchini noodles for a versatile meal.
• The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or sauces.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious meatballs.

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk (I use 2%)
• ½ cup crushed crackers of choice (or breadcrumbs)
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely minced yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• Pasta sauce of your choice
• Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles

Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef.
• Use dried herbs in place of fresh if necessary.
• Skip onion for a smoother texture.
• Any grated cheese can substitute for Parmesan.

How to Make It

Creating these meatballs is straightforward and rewarding.

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 400℉ and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper. Set the prepared pan aside.

Combine ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the beef, egg, milk, crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form meatballs

Form the mixture into 12 meatballs, using your hands or a cookie scoop to create about golf-ball-sized balls.

Arrange on baking sheet

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between each one.

Bake meatballs

Bake for 16-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉.

Transfer and garnish

Remove the meatballs from the oven. Optional: Heat pasta sauce in a skillet over medium heat. When the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss. Heat through, then garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve over noodles or zucchini noodles.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for longer storage.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• For extra moisture, do not overmix the meat mixture.
• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165℉ for safe consumption.
• Garnish liberally with parsley and cheese for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a rich marinara sauce and spaghetti.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
• Enjoy over a bed of zucchini noodles for a lighter option.