These easy oven-baked Italian meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy with irresistible flavors that will have you craving for more. Made with ground beef, onion, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley, these meatballs are seasoned to perfection and ready to be served in just 30 minutes!
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs
These easy oven-baked Italian meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy with irresistible flavors that will have you craving for more. Made with ground beef, onion, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley, these meatballs are seasoned to perfection and ready to be served in just 30 minutes!
Prep: 10min
Total: 30min
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 320 kcal, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 lb ground beef (or your choice of meat)
- 1/4 medium onion (finely diced or grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
Instruction:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add Italian bread crumbs and milk. Combine well and set aside while preparing the other ingredients, for at least 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture, and mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Portion onto the prepared baking sheet (using a cookie or ice cream scoop will make it easier). Wet your hands with water, and roll meatballs into 2″ diameter balls.
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C). Remove from oven and drain off any excess fat. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Italian Meatballs – Tender and Juicy
If you’re looking for the best meatball recipe, look no further! These Italian meatballs are soft, tender & melt-in-your-mouth delicious! They’re made with ground beef and breadcrumbs and then baked in the oven. Top with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs for the best Italian meatballs! Easy to make, perfect with spaghetti, and great for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Prep: 8min
Total: 28min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 360 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 23 g, Fat 23 g, Saturated Fat 9 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Sodium 654 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, unSaturated Fat 11 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1⅓ lb ground beef (see Note 1)
- ⅔ cup breadcrumbs (see Note 2)
- ⅞ cup milk (or broth)
- ½ cup onion (finely minced or grated)
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (see Note 3)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh Italian herbs (chopped; See Note 4)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for spicy Italian meatballs)
- ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instruction:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Add the milk and breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl and stir until the milk is absorbed. Then add the remaining ingredients (including any optional spices) and mix well until combined.
- Roll the mixture into 2 inch diameter meatballs and lay them on a lined baking tray. Wet your hands with water or oil to prevent sticking. See Note 5 for consistent sizing.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven until fully cooked, about 18 to 20 minutes depending on size. The internal temperature for beef meatballs should be 160°F. If you mixed in ground pork, chicken, or turkey, the internal temperature should be 165°F.
- Serve with your favorite tomato sauce and spaghetti, with gravy, or any other dish. Enjoy!
Classic Italian Meatballs (Tender and Juicy!)
A 30-minute family-style meatball recipe with thousands of 5-star reviews! This recipe makes a batch of tender, juicy Italian-American-style meatballs. Bake the meatballs in the oven or cook on the stovetop. Serve them with quick homemade marinara or your favorite sauce.
Prep: 15min
Total: 30min
Yield: 16
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 183 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 61 mg, Sodium 536 mg, Fiber 0.2 g, Sugar 0.4 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- ½ cup torn fresh bread crumbs* (from 1-2 slices white bread (crust removed))
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt or 1 ½ teaspoons table salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef chuck
- 1 pound ground pork (or veal)
- ¼ cup grated onion (optional)
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley (or basil)
- Olive oil
Instruction:
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Put the breadcrumbs in a small bowl and pour the milk over. Let them soak for 5 minutes. Add the egg yolks, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mash together to form a coarse paste.’, ‘name’: ‘Put the breadcrumbs in a small bowl and pour the milk over. Let them soak for 5 minutes. Add the egg yolks, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mash together to form a coarse paste.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-0-0’, ‘image’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Italian-Meatballs-Panade.jpg’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Put the beef, pork and onion (if using) in a large bowl and mix with a fork to blend. Add the bread mixture and parsley. Blend everything together well, using your hands, large wooden spoon or large fork. You can also mix in a standing mixer on low speed, just until blended. The meatball mixture can be mixed and refrigerated 2 days ahead of shaping and cooking.’, ‘name’: ‘Put the beef, pork and onion (if using) in a large bowl and mix with a fork to blend. Add the bread mixture and parsley. Blend everything together well, using your hands, large wooden spoon or large fork. You can also mix in a standing mixer on low speed, just until blended. The meatball mixture can be mixed and refrigerated 2 days ahead of shaping and cooking.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-0-1’, ‘image’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Italian-Meatballs-Mixing.jpg’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Form the meatballs: Use a ¼-cup measuring cup or cookie scoop to portion the mixture and roll lightly into balls. They don’t have to be perfect — craggy meatballs have character and hold the sauce better!’, ‘name’: ‘Form the meatballs: Use a ¼-cup measuring cup or cookie scoop to portion the mixture and roll lightly into balls. They don’t have to be perfect — craggy meatballs have character and hold the sauce better!’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-0-2’, ‘image’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Italian-Meatballs-Shaping.jpg’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To cook on the stovetop:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pour enough oil into a large skillet to coat the bottom and place over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add as many meatballs as will fit in the pan without crowding. Note: They should sizzle as soon as they hit they pan or the pan isn’t hot enough.’, ‘name’: ‘Pour enough oil into a large skillet to coat the bottom and place over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add as many meatballs as will fit in the pan without crowding. Note: They should sizzle as soon as they hit they pan or the pan isn’t hot enough.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Brown the meatballs on all sides. Cover the pan, lower the heat and continue cooking and until the meatballs are firm and cooked through (165 degrees on a instant thermometer), which should take about 15 minutes total. Repeat the frying with remaining meatballs, pouring out the oil and adding a fresh layer.’, ‘name’: ‘Brown the meatballs on all sides. Cover the pan, lower the heat and continue cooking and until the meatballs are firm and cooked through (165 degrees on a instant thermometer), which should take about 15 minutes total. Repeat the frying with remaining meatballs, pouring out the oil and adding a fresh layer.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-1-1’, ‘image’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Italian-Meatballs-Pan-Fried.jpg’}]}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To finish cooking in tomato sauce:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘After browning the meatballs, transfer them from the skillet to a simmering pot of marinara sauce. Cook 10-12 minutes.’, ‘name’: ‘After browning the meatballs, transfer them from the skillet to a simmering pot of marinara sauce. Cook 10-12 minutes.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-2-0’, ‘image’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Italian-Meatballs-Marinara.jpg’}]}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To bake the meatballs:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.’, ‘name’: ‘Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-3-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Arrange the meatballs on an olive-oiled coated rimmed baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs over with a spatula or pair of tongs. Continue baking until nicely browned and cooked through, another 10-12 minutes.’, ‘name’: ‘Arrange the meatballs on an olive-oiled coated rimmed baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs over with a spatula or pair of tongs. Continue baking until nicely browned and cooked through, another 10-12 minutes.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-3-1’, ‘image’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Italian-Meatballs-Baked.jpg’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Serve the warm meatballs with marinara sauce or your favorite prepared tomato sauce.’, ‘name’: ‘Serve the warm meatballs with marinara sauce or your favorite prepared tomato sauce.’, ‘url’: ‘https://familystylefood.com/classic-italian-meatballs-2/#wprm-recipe-12824-step-3-2’}]}
Juicy MEATBALL RECIPE – How to Cook Italian Meatballs
FAQ
What are traditional Italian meatballs made of?
The classic Italian meatball is made with ground beef or veal. They can be fried, steamed or baked in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil.
What is the difference between Italian meatballs and regular meatballs?
Italian meatballs call for seasonings like grated parmesan and oregano, while Swedish ones use seasonings like nutmeg and allspice. While it doesn’t sound like a huge distinction, you’ll notice it in the taste!
Is it better to fry or bake Italian meatballs?
Baking them gives the meatballs a little more flavor without additional oil since you are searing the outside under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure you bake them on a really heavy-duty baking sheet like this one.
