Easy Oven Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe
This recipe for Easy Oven Baked Italian Meatballs delivers tender, flavorful meatballs seasoned with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked in the oven, these meatballs are an effortless and healthier alternative to frying, ideal for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The outsides should be slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They are great with marinara sauce, over spaghetti, or as a party appetizer.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can add 1/4 cup of milk to the mixture.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- Meatballs can be baked ahead of time and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
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