meatballs oven baked recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best meatballs oven baked recipe

I’m so excited to share this oven-baked meatballs recipe with you all! I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit with my family.

The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal prep time. Just mix together some ground beef, pork, and a few simple spices, shape into balls, and bake in the oven until golden brown.

It’s the perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids love helping me shape the meatballs, and they always get excited when they see them come out of the oven all golden brown and delicious-looking.

Plus, this recipe is actually really healthy – it’s made with lean meats and no added sugars or preservatives. I like to serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.

And let me tell you, these meatballs freeze beautifully – just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

This recipe is also super versatile – you can serve them as appetizers, or as a main course with some pasta or rice. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even top them with some marinara sauce or melted mozzarella cheese for an extra-special treat.

Oven Baked Meatballs

4.9 from 817 votes

Tender and juicy oven-baked meatballs with a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal with pasta or as an appetizer.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Form the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil, ensuring each one is coated.
7Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
8Remove from the oven and carefully flip each meatball.
9Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
10While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
11In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
12Stir well to combine.
13Once the meatballs are done, pour the sauce over the meatballs.
14Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and the meatballs to absorb some of the flavors.
15If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water.
16Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.
17This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatballs, ensuring they are juicy and flavorful.
18Serve the meatballs hot, with the sauce spooned over the top.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

These oven-baked meatballs are truly one of my favorite recipes – they’re so easy to make and always turn out deliciously! Plus, they freeze beautifully so you can enjoy them whenever you like.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s super versatile – serve them as appetizers at your next party or enjoy them as a main course with some pasta or rice. And don’t even get me started on how good they are reheated – just pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds or so until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Meatballs

Q: What type of meat should I use for these meatballs?

For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of ground beef and pork – it adds great flavor and helps keep the meatballs moist. You can also use just beef or just pork if you prefer, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make these meatballs ahead of time! Simply mix together the ingredients as instructed, shape into balls, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is great if you’re short on time or want to prep meals in advance.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming too dry?

One trick I use is to add a bit more moisture to the mixture by including some finely chopped onion and bell pepper – it helps keep things juicy inside while still being nice and tender on the outside.

Q: Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs. Also keep in mind that if you’re using gluten-free breadcrumbs, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly.

Q: How long do I need to bake these meatballs?

Baking time will depend on your oven’s temperature accuracy – generally speaking, it takes around 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for these meatballs to be cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.

Similar Posts