Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Effortlessly juicy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser, this Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe is the go-to dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. No splattering oil or constant pan-watching—simply mix, roll, and bake! The result is perfectly browned, tender meatballs that pair well with pasta, grain bowls, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Why Everyone Loves This Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is its absolute simplicity. There’s minimal prep and hardly any cleanup thanks to baking, yet it doesn’t compromise on flavor or tenderness. Kids love them, adults crave seconds, and leftovers make tasty sandwiches or protein-packed meal preps. It’s a versatile solution guaranteed to satisfy any craving.

The Secrets to Perfectly Juicy Baked Meatballs

Achieving succulent, tender meatballs is all about incorporating moisture and seasoning. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk and adding grated onion ensures each bite stays soft and flavorful. Baking at a high temperature locks in juiciness while producing a slightly crisp exterior—no flipping required.

Assembling and Baking Your Meatballs

Once your mixture is prepped, simply roll into uniform balls for even cooking. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake until golden. If you like extra flavor, give them a quick broil at the end for a beautifully caramelized crust.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Baked Meatballs

Serve over al dente spaghetti with marinara for a classic meal, tuck into sub rolls with melty cheese for sandwiches, or include on top of salads and grain bowls. Garnishing with fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. For parties, offer a trio of dipping sauces for a crowd-friendly appetizer.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 20 meatballs, enough for about 4 servings. Each serving of 5 meatballs has around 350 calories, depending on your choice of ground meat and additions. Lean ground beef or turkey can reduce fat content, making these a smart option for protein-forward meal planning.

Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe (Recap)

Quick, hands-off, and unfailingly delicious, these baked meatballs deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. They’re an adaptable staple that takes the stress out of weeknight dinners and meal prepping.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to soften.
3. Add ground meat, parmesan, egg, grated onion, garlic, herbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined—avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.
4. Shape into 20 golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. For a crispier exterior, broil for an additional 2 minutes at the end.
6. Serve hot with marinara sauce, pasta, or your favorite sides. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe fits seamlessly into any meal plan—bake extra to freeze for future meals or pack into lunches. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your dinner rotation and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all ingredients from planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Effortlessly calculates total ingredient amounts across your recipes
– Sorts your shopping list by grocery store section for quick trips
– Helps you avoid duplicate purchases and ensure nothing is forgotten
– Streamlines your weeknight cooking routine for less stress and more flavor

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals for the week, schedule your recipes to automatically tally ingredient quantities—never wonder how many eggs or how much ground meat you need again!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes