Description
This Basic Baked Meatball recipe offers a simple and delicious way to prepare classic meatballs using ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. Perfectly baked until golden brown, these meatballs are juicy and flavorful, making an ideal main or appetizer for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup milk
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion to form the base of your meatball mixture.
- Add Seasonings and Binder: Add the egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to the bowl to season and help bind the mixture together.
- Incorporate Milk: Pour in the milk and use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly combine all ingredients until evenly blended and cohesive.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them spaced out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to promote browning and help keep them moist as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and turn a nice golden brown on the outside.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh parsley enhances the flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
- The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender; use plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs depending on your flavor preference.
- Ensure meatballs are spaced evenly on the baking sheet to cook uniformly.
- You can add more Italian seasoning or herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavor variations.
- These meatballs can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
