Get ready to create the most delicious, juicy meatballs right in your own kitchen! This Homemade Meatballs Recipe is incredibly simple to follow, making it perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks. You’ll love how easily these flavorful meatballs come together, ready to be enjoyed in countless versatile meals throughout the week.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Meatballs Recipe
- Quick 30-Minute Family Meal: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Perfectly Juicy and Flavorful: Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.
- Oven-Baked for Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to greasy stovetops; baking keeps your kitchen tidy.
- Versatile for Various Dishes: Serve these meatballs with pasta, in subs, or as a tasty appetizer.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for future quick dinners.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Homemade Meatballs Recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley, optional
- 2 cups marinara sauce (for serving)
- Cooked noodles (for serving)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Basil, or parsley (for serving)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this recipe to fit your preferences. For the meat, you can use all 80% lean ground beef or substitute half of it with ground pork for extra richness. The beaten egg acts as a crucial binder, holding your meatballs together. Breadcrumbs add texture and help absorb moisture, ensuring a tender result. While fresh herbs like parsley provide vibrant flavor, feel free to use 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning instead. If you don’t have fresh garlic or onion, use 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking much smoother. You will need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and aluminum foil. Parchment paper also works well for lining. For perfectly uniform meatballs that cook evenly, we highly recommend a medium cookie scoop.
Instructions
Creating this Homemade Meatballs Recipe is straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Kosher salt, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley (if using). Mix until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Use a medium cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the meat mixture. Roll each portion into a 1 1/2-inch ball between your palms. Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs, uncovered, for 17 to 20 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, carefully turn each meatball over to ensure even browning and prevent the bottoms from getting too dark. The meatballs are done when they are no longer pink in the middle.
- Optional Serving Method: If you wish to serve them in sauce, transfer the cooked meatballs to a saucepan. Add 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious homemade meatballs on their own as a hearty appetizer, or over a bed of cooked spaghetti noodles for a classic meal. Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired, for a beautiful finish.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the best results with your meatballs is easy with these simple tips.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
- Use a Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform sizing, which promotes even cooking for all your meatballs.
- Add Milk if Dry: If your meat mixture seems too dry to form balls, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- Ensure Even Browning: Flipping the meatballs halfway through baking helps achieve consistent golden-brown exteriors.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your meatballs space on the baking sheet for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Check Temperature: For food safety, ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, ground meat should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile meatballs are perfect for many occasions and can be easily stored or adapted.
Serving Suggestions
- Spaghetti and Sauce: The ultimate classic pairing for your delicious homemade meatballs.
- Meatball Subs: Serve them in toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese.
- Appetizers: Offer them with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing party snack.
- Roasted Vegetables: Create a wholesome meal by serving them alongside your favorite roasted veggies.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread for an extra tasty side.
Storage & Freezing
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat on the stove in sauce, in the oven, or in the microwave until thoroughly warm.
Variations
- Cranberry or Hawaiian Meatballs: Toss cooked meatballs in cranberry sauce or a sweet and sour pineapple glaze for a different flavor profile.
- Air Fryer Meatballs: Cook your meatballs in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
- Ground Turkey: For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Half Beef, Half Italian Sausage: Combine ground beef with mild or hot Italian sausage for an extra boost of savory flavor.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional content helps you enjoy your meals responsibly. This Homemade Meatballs Recipe offers a good source of protein for a satisfying meal.
| Serving Size | 5 meatballs |
|---|---|
| Calories | 184 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 93 mg |
| Sodium | 537 mg |
| Potassium | 348 mg |
| Vitamin A | 90 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 81 mg |
| Iron | 2.6 mg |
Estimates are based on the ingredients provided and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
Got questions about making the best meatballs? We have answers!
- How do I make moist meatballs? Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and do not overcook them; bake until just no longer pink in the middle.
- What kind of meat is best for homemade meatballs? A blend of 80% lean ground beef is excellent, but you can also use a mix of beef and pork for added flavor and moisture.
- What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in this Homemade Meatballs Recipe? Crushed crackers, almond flour, or cooked quinoa can be used as gluten-free alternatives for breadcrumbs.
- Can I make meatballs in advance? Yes, you can form and refrigerate raw meatballs for up to 24 hours, or freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Homemade Meatballs Recipe proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create juicy, flavorful meatballs that your whole family will adore. Give this easy recipe a try tonight and discover the joy of cooking something truly special. We would love to hear your thoughts and see your creations, so please feel free to share your feedback and ratings!
Easy Homemade Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Foil
- Large bowl
- Medium Cookie Scoop or Spoon
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef (could sub with half ground pork)
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley optional
For Serving
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- cooked noodles
- grated parmesan cheese
- basil, or parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Making the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, Kosher salt, ground black pepper, and optional fresh parsley.
- Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to form 1 1/2-inch balls from the meat mixture, then place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs uncovered for 17 to 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are no longer pink in the middle.
Optional Serving Suggestion
- If desired, simmer the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for 10 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs on their own, or over cooked spaghetti noodles, topping with extra grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.