Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Baked Italian Meatballs! Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The combination of lean ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering taste that you won’t be able to resist.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have these meatballs ready to bake in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these meatballs ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for quick and easy meals.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lean ground beef: Provides a rich flavor and juicy texture to the meatballs.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Milk: Helps keep the meatballs tender and adds a subtle creaminess.
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs: Serve as a binder and add texture to the meatballs.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory and cheesy flavor to the meatballs.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Season the meatballs with a delicious blend of herbs and spices.
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese add a pop of color and extra flavor.
- For serving: Pair the meatballs with your favorite pasta sauce and cooked pasta or zucchini noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to ℉ and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the beef, egg, milk, crackers, Parmesan cheese, onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about golf-ball size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for -minutes or until the internal temperature reaches ℉.
- Optional step: Heat pasta sauce in a skillet and add the baked meatballs. Toss gently and garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve over noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to days.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a cookie scoop to easily form uniform meatballs.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the meatballs.
- Freeze unbaked meatballs for future use.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the step of preheating the oven to ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these Baked Italian Meatballs with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine for a perfect Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option. - Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and bake them when ready to serve. - Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked meatballs for up to months. Thaw before baking.
Conclusion:
These Baked Italian Meatballs are a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it! Don’t forget to share your feedback with us. Enjoy!
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Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious and easy to make Italian meatballs baked to perfection. Serve these flavorful meatballs with your favorite pasta sauce over noodles or zucchini noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (2%)
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fined minced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional for garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Additional Parmesan cheese
For serving:
- Any favorite pasta sauce
- Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles
Instructions
- Preheat oven: to 400℉ and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Combine ingredients: Mix beef, egg, milk, crackers, Parmesan, onion, seasonings until well combined.
- Form meatballs: Shape into 12 balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: for 16-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165℉.
- Optional step: Heat pasta sauce, add meatballs, toss, and serve over noodles.
- Store leftovers: in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Try using different types of ground meat for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg