Baked Italian Meatballs
These Baked Italian Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful addition to your weeknight dinners. Made with lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices, they are perfect for serving with pasta or on their own.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Use lean ground beef for a moist texture.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder for meatballs.
- ½ cup milk Adds moisture to the mixture.
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs Use either for the binding agent.
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan Enhances flavor.
- ¼ cup minced yellow onion Fresh onion is recommended for flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Adds Italian flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Enhances the savory profile.
- ½ tsp fine salt Adjust to taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
- Optional parsley and extra Parmesan for topping For garnishing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking tray by covering it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, milk, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Using your hands, portion the mixture into 12 equal meatballs, shaping each into a ball.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking tray.
Baking
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 16-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- If desired, warm some pasta sauce to serve on top.
Notes
Baked Italian Meatballs can be customized with additional herbs or spices. They store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.