SIMPLE Basic Baked Meatball Recipe

SIMPLE Baked Homemade Meatballs - don't overcomplicate the process. Simple meatballs ready for whatever you want. #meatballs #meatballrecipe #homemademeatballs #bakedmeatballs

Get ready for meatball madness with our #1 Baked Meatball Recipe! Packed with ground beef and pork (or turkey for the lighter version), these meaty delights are seasoned to perfection with a blend of Italian herbs and spices. Just pop ’em in the oven, and in no time, you’ll have a batch of deliciously browned, tender meatballs that are perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta sauce or stashing in the freezer for future cravings.

The Meatball Odyssey

Legend has it that meatballs have been around since ancient times. Picture this: A curious caveman decides to shape leftover mammoth meat into small, round morsels, roasts them over an open flame, and voilà – the world’s first meatball! Well, maybe it didn’t happen exactly like that, but you get the idea.

Ingredients To Make Fabulous Meatballs:

  • Breadcrumbs: These trusty crumbs serve as the meatball’s breadcrumbs back home, holding everything together in a tight, delicious embrace.
  • Eggs: The eggs are the meatball’s glue, ensuring that each bite stays perfectly intact.
  • Milk: Milk adds a touch of creaminess to the mix.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce steps in as the secret ingredient, infusing your meatballs with an umami kick that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t add it to everything sooner.
  • Garlic: Garlic, the flavor champion of the culinary world.
  • Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese brings that cheesy charm to your meatballs.
  • Herbs & Spices: The herbs and spices like oregano, basil, and parsley, dance their way into your meatballs.
SIMPLE Baked Homemade Meatball Ingredients

How to BAKE Meatballs:

Full Printable recipe & instructions below

  1. Meatball Mash: In a large bowl, combine the ground meats with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, pressed garlic, Parmesan cheese, and oregano, basil, and parsley.
  2. The Seasonings: Sprinkle in onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to ensure that each meatball is perfectly seasoned.
  3. Get Handsy – Alright, folks, it’s time to get down and dirty with your meatballs – and I mean that in the most delicious way possible! Put on your culinary gloves because we’re about to dive headfirst into the meatball mixing extravaganza. Grab that bowl filled with your ground beef and pork, and plunge your hands right in. Gently mix and combine the meat between your fingers. No need for a strong grip here – we want these meatballs to be tender and lovingly made.
  4. Shape It Up: Now, it’s time to shape those meatballs. Grab a scoop of the mixture, roll it gently between your palms, and voilà – meatball magic!
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on their size to ensure they cook evenly. Once they’re beautifully browned and no pink remains in the center, we know they’re ready to be devoured.
SIMPLE Baked Homemade Meatball Ingredients step by step

These meatballs are versatile, my friends. You can serve them as an appetizer, nestled on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Or, you can elevate them into a meal by adding them to your favorite pasta dish, simmering them in a flavorful tomato sauce, or even using them as a topping for a MOUTHWATERING MEATBALL SUB.

Customize Your Culinary Adventure:

Meatballs are like a blank canvas for flavor. Here are some tips on how to customize this recipe to suit your taste:

  1. Herbs: Experiment with different herbs to elevate the flavor profile. Consider rosemary for a woodsy aroma, thyme for earthiness, or cilantro for a fresh twist.
  2. Spice It Up: If you crave a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture. For a smoky kick, try a dash of smoked paprika.
  3. Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is the star here, you can explore other cheese options like sharp cheddar, asiago, or pecorino romano for a cheesy adventure.
  4. Meat Medley: Don’t limit yourself to just beef and pork. Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb can bring unique flavors to your meatballs.
  5. Breadcrumbs Variations: Swap traditional breadcrumbs for panko for an extra crispy texture. You can even experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs if you have dietary preferences.
  6. Flavorful Fillings: Consider adding surprises to the center of your meatballs, like a cube of mozzarella or a slice of jalapeño for a burst of flavor.
  7. Sauce Selection: While these meatballs are delicious on their own, you can pair them with a variety of sauces. Try classic marinara, creamy Alfredo, or even a tangy BBQ sauce.
SIMPLE Baked Homemade Meatballs - don't overcomplicate the process. Simple meatballs ready for whatever you want. #meatballs #meatballrecipe #homemademeatballs #bakedmeatballs

Now that you’re a certified meatball maestro, go forth and conquer the world with your savory spheres of deliciousness. Remember, whether you’re whipping up a batch for a family dinner or an epic meatball showdown with friends, the key ingredients are always love, laughter, and a healthy dose of deliciousness.

So, gather your ground meats, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create meatball memories that’ll have everyone saying, “These are the best damn meatballs I’ve ever had!”

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SIMPLE Baked Homemade Meatballs - don't overcomplicate the process. Simple meatballs ready for whatever you want. #meatballs #meatballrecipe #homemademeatballs #bakedmeatballs

SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 22 reviews
  • Author: simplepartyfood
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1820 Large or 48 Cocktail Meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb. Ground Beef
  • ½ Lb. Ground Pork (or Turkey)
  • 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • ¾1 Cup Milk
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 Cloves Garlic, pressed
  • ½ Cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Italian herbs, finely chopped (oregano, basil, and/or parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork until well combined
  4. Add all other ingredients and mix until well combined, but don’t overmix
  5. Using a cookie dough or ice cream scoop, divide mixture into meatballs, roll in your hands to form a nice ball and place on baking sheet
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on size of meatball, until browned and no pink remains in center
  7. Remove from oven and serve with favorite pasta sauce, or freeze for later use

Notes

The cooking time will vary depending on meatball size. Cocktail meatballs can take as little as 15 minutes, while the larger ones can take up to 30 minutes.

Nutritional Disclaimer: The provided nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities. For precise details, consult a registered dietitian or use a nutrition calculator.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball (based on 24 yield)
  • Calories: 70-80
  • Sugar: 0
  • Sodium: 120-140 mg
  • Fat: 5-6 gr
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3 gr
  • Carbohydrates: 2-3 gr
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 4-5 gr
  • Cholesterol: 10-15 mg

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42 Comments

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    June 22, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    I love these recipes. Not everything has to be complicated. You guys make cooking fun again!

  • Reply
    Kathy D
    September 20, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    Good tip on the ratio of beef to pork. You’re right, I mixed equal ratio on meat and they came out too dense! Love the flavor and so easy to bake them.

  • Reply
    Lindsey
    December 7, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    I baked mine for 25 minutes and the bottoms burned. I’d say reduce the cooking time for full cookie scooper size meatballs to probably 22 mins. Delicious tasting still, however. Great recipe for when you don’t have enough time for the crockpot!






    • Reply
      simplepartyfood
      December 15, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      our advice is to always use a Silpat – it prevents burning!

  • Reply
    Star
    February 8, 2022 at 1:56 am

    I made these a couple of weeks ago and froze them. Similar to what I’ve made in the past only never used milk. With the milk, meatballs are not as dense, a welcome surprise. Also, never put cheese in the meat mixture. Very tasty. Used them this weekend in my spaghetti sauce and they were delicious! I think these ingredients may also work for meatloaf or burgers. Definitely my new meatball recipe. Thank you.

    • Reply
      simplepartyfood
      February 8, 2022 at 10:51 am

      that’s AWESOME Star – thanks so much for letting us know!

      • Reply
        Megan
        February 6, 2023 at 6:13 pm

        Do you freeze these before or after you bake them?

    • Reply
      LouEllen
      March 6, 2023 at 8:09 pm

      Well that makes complete sense but it never crossed my mind. Thanks so much!

  • Reply
    Linda Peterson
    February 16, 2022 at 7:14 pm

    These are delicious! If instead I form the meat mixture into a meatloaf would you change any. Gradient amounts?






  • Reply
    Diane
    February 26, 2022 at 10:14 am

    Baking is so much easier and less mess than pan frying! Thanks for the great recipe!

  • Reply
    carly
    October 27, 2022 at 12:38 pm

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    • Reply
      simplepartyfood
      October 30, 2022 at 3:50 pm

      of course!

  • Reply
    j4486inthecity
    November 13, 2022 at 8:06 pm

    I saw these on Pinterest and all the RAVE reviews. They were right!






  • Reply
    Elaine
    November 13, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    I tried it! It came out amazing! I modified for heat and cooked in marinara in the crockpot.






  • Reply
    Jennifer
    November 13, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    I have made this 3 times now & I love them. I have used the mix to make meatloaf. I don’t like meatballs but these are so good, been using dry herbs & still great. 😁






    • Reply
      simplepartyfood
      November 13, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      Nothing like converting a non meatballer to a meatballer

  • Reply
    Fern
    November 13, 2022 at 8:09 pm

    I made these meatballs today. They were absolutely delicious the family love them.






    • Reply
      simplepartyfood
      November 13, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      glad to hear it!

  • Reply
    Irene
    December 5, 2022 at 10:02 am

    If I was to double/triple the recipe would I double/triple every ingredient?

    • Reply
      simplepartyfood
      January 17, 2023 at 8:52 am

      yes

  • Reply
    Denise
    January 13, 2023 at 10:26 pm

    First time I’ve ever made meatballs. These were easy to make and so yummy!






  • Reply
    Lise
    January 17, 2023 at 8:40 am

    Was pretty good, easy and fast I loved it!






  • Reply
    Cher
    January 30, 2023 at 6:28 pm

    How much beef broth?

  • Reply
    J
    March 8, 2023 at 11:32 am

    I used one lb of each meat since that’s how the pkg came. I totally forgot to put the cheese in 🙈. I took the time to grate it, no store bought pre shredded so that was disappointing but they were still good. Baked for about 25 mins, I managed to get 27 so about half I tossed into a homemade sauce. Easy and good!






  • Reply
    casandra
    March 8, 2023 at 11:33 am

    I Made these in Crock-Pot for Superbowl and we’re a big bit. Definitely make again.






  • Reply
    todd
    March 20, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    It was a great tasting meatball the only thing I changed was I used for the pork I used tomatoes basil sausage.






    • Reply
      Abbey
      December 12, 2023 at 11:26 am

      What fat percent ground beef would you use? 93/7? Or 80/20

  • Reply
    Erin
    March 25, 2023 at 9:32 pm

    These are delicious! Thank you for the recipe!






  • Reply
    Mel
    April 1, 2023 at 7:56 pm

    Made these tonight and they came out great! I added feta cheese. Great simple recipe for basic meatballs to be pared with a number of pasta related dishes. I added these to a creamy pesto orzo with spinach and mushrooms. Delicious!






  • Reply
    Kay
    April 19, 2023 at 8:33 am

    If I wanted to use dry herbs instead of fresh, what would measurement amount be?

  • Reply
    Kay
    April 27, 2023 at 10:25 am

    I was wondering if you could provide dry ingredient substitutions: for the garlic cloves , how much garlic powder? And for the fresh herbs, how much dried Basil, oregano and parsley? For me, I love fresh herbs but they are costly and can sometimes go to waste. Thanks

  • Reply
    Dee
    November 13, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    Look these and added small chopped onion. Great recipe!

  • Reply
    Jen
    January 16, 2024 at 8:09 pm

    Can I combine ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator overnight and shape into meatballs and bake them the next day?






    • Reply
      simplepartyfood
      March 3, 2024 at 7:14 am

      absolutely you can – they’re even better that way!

  • Reply
    Candice
    March 4, 2024 at 8:48 am

    They were delicious.






  • Reply
    Judy
    March 4, 2024 at 8:48 am

    I made these tonight and they’re delicious. I found my new meatball recipe






  • Reply
    Gretchen
    March 4, 2024 at 8:49 am

    These are ABSOLUTELY delicious






  • Reply
    Amanda
    March 4, 2024 at 8:50 am

    Simple and delicious. Used this recipe twice and love it.






  • Reply
    Tawnie
    March 4, 2024 at 8:50 am

    There meatballs are awesome!! So juicy and flavorful!






  • Reply
    Jeanne
    March 4, 2024 at 8:51 am

    Great recipe. Just made them , delicious.






  • Reply
    Scott
    March 4, 2024 at 8:51 am

    Excellent recipe! It’s the only one I make now !






  • Reply
    Demetria
    March 4, 2024 at 8:52 am

    Made these they turned out great very moist.






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