Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe

Name: Baked Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Milk; 1 Egg; 1/4 cup Finely Diced Onion; 2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 2 cloves Minced Garlic; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 1/2 pound Ground Pork; 1/2 pound Ground Beef; 3 cups Marinara Sauce

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This Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe creates tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs! Serve them in a marinara sauce on top of pasta, alongside potatoes, or next to a warm plate of polenta.

Baked Italian Meatballs in a white bowl with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Freezer friendly – This easy meatball recipe is perfect to have on hand for those busy weeknights when you don’t feel like preparing something from scratch. Remove the meatballs from the freezer the night before or first thing in the morning, and let them thaw for a quick and easy dinner.
Crowd pleaser – Italian meatballs are a kid-friendly recipe that adults alike will enjoy, a true family favorite.
Versatile recipe – This dish pairs well with various sides, making it a go-to option for quick and delicious meals.

Ingredients to make baked meatballs in oven

Ingredients to make baked Italian Meatballs.

Find a complete list of ingredients in the recipe card below.

Breadcrumbs – Any kind of bread crumbs are good, you can choose from plain breadcrumbs, Italian, or make your own.
Milk – Milk adds just the right of moisture to the meatballs.
Egg – An egg helps bind the meatballs.
Onion – Use a finely diced onion; a yellow or white onion are both good options.
Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but jarred or dried will also work.
Seasonings – Use Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Ground Pork – Ground pork adds a nice heartiness and flavor to the meatballs.
Ground Beef – Choose lean ground beef to pair with the pork. You can also opt for ground turkey, ground chicken, or any combination.
Marinara – Jarred marinara sauce, pasta sauce, or tomato sauce are all good choices, or make this homemade version.

How to cook meatballs in the oven

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Step 2: Add breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the ingredients are incorporated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.

A mixture of breadcrumbs, onions, eggs and spices to be added to ground beef to make Italian Meatballs.

Step 3: Add pork and ground beef to the breadcrumb mixture. Use a cookie scoop to divide the meat mixture into 12 even portions and form each portion into a ball. Place the meatballs on a greased or parchment paper lined sheet pan in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through the cooking process.

Meatball mixture before forming into balls to make baked Italian meatballs.

Step 4: Add meatballs to a saucepan with the marinara sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce is heated through.

Baked meatballs in a sauce pan with marinara sauce.

Step 5: Serve the cooked meatballs immediately.

Baked Italian Meatballs served with spaghetti.

Meatball recipe variations

Stir in finely grated parmesan cheese to enhance the Italian taste.
Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or any fresh Italian herbs.
Instead of serving the meatballs over pasta, make meatball subs and add your favorite toppings.
Change up the seasonings and stir in onion powder and garlic powder.
Make this a spicy meatball recipe by adding more red pepper flakes.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Italian meatballs in the oven?

The time it takes to cook the meatballs in the oven depends on their size. In this recipe, I estimate the cooking time to be about 15 minutes, but if your meatballs are larger, it may take a few extra minutes.

Is it better to cook meatballs in the oven or on the stovetop?

I like to bake meatballs for many reasons. It’s quicker and easier than searing them in a pan; baking ensures they are cooked evenly, and cleanup is a breeze.

Do I need to brown the meatballs before baking?

No, there is no need to brown the meatballs before baking as long as you cook them in a very hot oven.

How to store Italian meatballs baked in the oven

How To Make Ahead: You can easily prep the meatball mixture and store it unbaked in the fridge for 24 hours or store the baked meatballs for 3-4 days.

In the fridge: In an airtight container, leftover meatballs can be kept for 3-4 days.

In the freezer: Frozen meatballs will last up to 3 months. Flash-freeze these homemade Italian meatballs on a cookie sheet before transferring them to a container or freezer bag.

What to serve with baked Italian meatballs

Substitute the meatballs for the sausage in this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta or serve on top of this Spicy Arrabbiata sauce.

Enjoy this hearty spaghetti and meatball dinner with my Pecan and Pear Salad, or we love a good wedge salad with all kinds of pasta at my house. Instead of serving pasta with these meatballs, consider baked fingerling potatoes, glazed carrots, and cheesy garlic bread.

Meatball recipe tips

Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees f with an instant-read thermometer.
If you don’t have any cookie sheets, you can bake the meatballs in a baking dish.
Drizzle olive oil on the cookie sheet to ensure your meatballs bake with a crisp exterior.
Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

More delicious meatball recipes

The Best Honey Bourbon Meatballs

Asian Meatballs

Orange Chicken Meatballs

Italian Chicken Meatballs

Southwest Chicken Meatballs