These oven-baked Italian meatballs are a flavorful and versatile dish that can be served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer. Made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and herbs, they are easy to prepare and cook evenly in the oven.
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for meal prep. You can customize the meatballs by adding your favorite spices or cheese for extra flavor.
Creating the Perfect Meatballs
Crafting meatballs that are both juicy and flavorful is an art. The combination of ground beef and pork provides a rich base, while the addition of breadcrumbs ensures they hold together beautifully during baking.
Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley and aromatic garlic elevates the taste, making each bite a delightful experience.
Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a savory depth that complements the meat perfectly.
The Baking Process
Preheating the oven is a crucial first step. Setting it to 400°F (200°C) allows the meatballs to cook evenly and develop that golden-brown exterior.
Using parchment paper on your baking sheet not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
Shaping the meatballs into uniform sizes ensures they cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture throughout.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs shine when paired with a rich marinara sauce.
Serving them over a bed of spaghetti creates a classic Italian dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
For a twist, consider placing them in a sub sandwich topped with melted cheese for a hearty meal.
Garnishing for Presentation
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of freshness to the dish.
For an extra touch, a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavor profile, making the dish even more irresistible.
Presenting the meatballs on a rustic wooden table adds to the inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Nutrition and Meal Prep
These meatballs are not just delicious; they also provide a good balance of protein and fats.
With approximately 150 calories per meatball, they fit well into a balanced diet.
They are also ideal for meal prep, allowing you to make a large batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste.
Adding red pepper flakes can give a nice kick, while substituting ground turkey or chicken can lighten the dish.
These meatballs are versatile and can adapt to various cuisines, making them a staple in any kitchen.
Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 24 meatballs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 meatballs
- Calories: 150kcal per meatball
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 5g