Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

When it comes to creating a hearty and comforting meal, few dishes can rival the classic oven-baked Italian meatballs. These flavorful morsels packed with the richness of ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese bring warmth to any dinner table. I often find myself making this recipe for casual weeknight dinners or family gatherings, and it never fails to impress. What really shines through in this dish is the simplicity of preparation combined with the ability to customize them to fit various palates, making it truly special.

Why You’ll Love Making It

There are so many compelling reasons to whip up these oven-baked Italian meatballs. First and foremost, they are incredibly budget-friendly, utilizing common ingredients while still delivering robust flavor. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. Imagine coming home after a long day and having the delightful aroma of meatballs baking in the oven—it’s comforting and promises a delicious dinner without a lot of fuss.

“These meatballs were a hit at our family dinner! Simple to make and bursting with flavor. I’ll definitely be adding this to my regular rotation!” – A happy home cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making oven-baked Italian meatballs is straightforward and enjoyable. You only need a handful of ingredients and just a few easy steps, which makes it accessible for both beginners and seasoned cooks. From mixing the ingredients into perfectly rounded meatballs to baking them to golden perfection, the process is simple!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to gather for this delicious recipe:

• Ground beef: The base of the meatballs.
• Onion: Finely chopped for flavor.
• Garlic: Minced for that aromatic kick.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated for richness.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped for a pop of color and flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix everything until well combined—don’t overwork the meat, or your meatballs may turn out tough.
4. Shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs.
5. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned.
7. Serve with your favorite sauce, whether that’s marinara, BBQ, or even a homemade gravy.

Perfect Pairings for Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

These meatballs can be served in various delightful ways! For a classic Italian twist, pair them with spaghetti and marinara sauce. Alternatively, consider serving them in a sub sandwich topped with melty mozzarella cheese for a delicious meatball sub. They also shine as an appetizer at a gathering, served with toothpicks alongside a tangy dipping sauce.

Best Way to Store Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

Storing these meatballs is easy and convenient. For best results, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be delicious for up to three months—perfect for meal prep!

Pro Chef Tips

To take your meatballs to the next level, consider some of these pro tips:

• Sauté the onions and garlic before mixing them with the meat for a deeper flavor profile.
• Mix in a splash of milk or heavy cream to keep the meatballs moist.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like oregano or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor to your liking.

Creative Twists

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try switching out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also incorporate finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition. Craving a bit of heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture or serve with spicy marinara.

Your questions answered

How long do the meatballs take to cook?

Generally, they should be baked for about 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until fully cooked.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze these meatballs raw or cooked. If using frozen raw meatballs, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Italian meatballs?

Besides spaghetti, you can serve them with garlic bread, a side salad, or as part of a charcuterie board for a fun gathering.

This simple yet delicious recipe deserves a spot in your dinner lineup, providing not only great taste but also variety and customizable options that the whole family will love! Enjoy your cooking!

Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic oven-baked Italian meatballs that are hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix everything until well combined—don’t overwork the meat, or your meatballs may turn out tough.
4. Shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs.
5. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned.
7. Serve with your favorite sauce.

Notes

For deeper flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before mixing. Consider mixing in a splash of milk or heavy cream to keep the meatballs moist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 meatball
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: meatballs, Italian, oven-baked, easy recipe, dinner