Description
These Oven Baked Italian Meatballs are a cozy weeknight lifesaver, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef (80 to 85 percent lean) (For juicy meatballs.)
- 1 pound Ground pork (Adds flavor and tenderness.)
Binding and Flavoring
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (Or plain breadcrumbs plus extra seasoning.)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind everything together.)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan (Adds salty, nutty flavor.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh is best, but garlic powder works if needed.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped (Or dried if that’s what you have.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for seasoning.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (To taste.)
- 1/4 cup Milk (Keeps the mixture tender.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and Parmesan.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs and then add the ground beef and ground pork. Mix gently until combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches wide and place them on the prepared sheet pan with some space between each.
Baking
- Bake meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Serving
- You can simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce for 10 minutes or serve as is with the sauce on the side.
Notes
For variations, you can use ground turkey, add crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs, or skip the cheese for a dairy-free version. Make sure to check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian