Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs
Introduction
Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that everyone loves. They’re easy to make, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them on a sub, with pasta, or simply on their own, these meatballs will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful meal in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple steps make preparation a breeze.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, party platters, or meal prep.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of spices and cheese brings out the best flavors.
These meatballs stand out because baking them allows for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. They are perfect for cozy dinners and can be dressed up or down depending on your occasion!
Ingredients Needed
- For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the meatballs.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. This step adds great flavor!
- Form the Meatballs: Mix everything together until well combined. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Bake: Cook the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through. A quick check with a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Enjoy your meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or simply on their own!
How to Serve Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs
Serve these meatballs hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. Pair them with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic meal, or serve in a toasted sub for a hearty sandwich.
How to Store Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs
- If you want an extra flavor boost, consider adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper to the mix.
- To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Variations
- Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Incorporate chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added nutrition.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pecorino for a unique flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes! Thaw it first before mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs if needed.
Can I bake the meatballs without parchment paper?
Yes, but they may stick to the baking sheet. Oiling the sheet lightly can help.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs are a fantastic, easy dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe to be a winner every time. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating, and don’t forget to share it with friends on social media. What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious and easy Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs, perfect for family dinners or party platters.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and shape into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through, checking with a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C).
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or on their own.
Notes
For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper. To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg