Baked Italian Meatballs

A warm waft of Italian herbs and the comforting sizzle of meatballs baking in the oven can instantly transport you to a cozy kitchen. Baked Italian Meatballs is a delightful dish that takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish and is perfect for any day of the week. The combination of lean ground beef and flavorful seasonings results in juicy meatballs that are incredibly satisfying while staying light.

This recipe is for anyone looking for a quick and hearty meal that balances rich flavors with simple preparation. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these meatballs can be made ahead and stored for easy week-long meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, flavorful meatballs with a crispy exterior.
• Quick to prepare and bake, ready in 30 minutes.
• Versatile enough for your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

What You’ll Need

Gather the ingredients for this delicious Italian dish you’re about to create.

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

• Optional for garnish: fresh parsley, chopped and additional Parmesan cheese
• For serving: any favorite pasta sauce and cooked pasta or zucchini noodles

For breadcrumbs, use gluten-free options if needed.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken for beef
• Almond milk for regular milk
• Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture
• Fresh herbs instead of dried seasonings

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking these delicious meatballs!

Preheat

Preheat oven to 400℉. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside for easy cleanup.

Combine

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

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

Place

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly for even cooking.

Bake

Bake for 16-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may slightly vary.

Transfer

Remove the meatballs from the oven. If using pasta sauce, heat it 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 your choice of noodles or zucchini noodles.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, for longer storage options.
Reheat: Warm on the stove for 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for even cooking.
• Experiment with spices to match your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with your favorite marinara sauce and spaghetti.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Perfect for game nights or family gatherings.