Best Italian Oven Baked Meatballs

These Best Italian Oven Baked Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Skip the mess of pan-frying and make these perfectly baked meatballs instead. With a delicious combination of ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and Parmesan, these meatballs are great for serving with pasta, in subs, or as a flavorful appetizer. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oven-baked meatballs are the perfect balance of juicy and flavorful without the extra grease of frying. Made with fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, and basil, and topped with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese, each meatball bursts with savory goodness. The oven-baking method keeps them juicy and tender while also being much simpler than frying. Plus, they cook in just 20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option!

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (88% lean)

• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ small yellow onion, grated or minced

• 2 tablespoons marinara sauce

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or dried)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or dried)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or dried)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 large egg, slightly beaten

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, grated onion, marinara sauce, rosemary, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and the slightly beaten egg. Mix everything together well, but avoid over-mixing, as that can make the meatballs tough.

3. Form the Meatballs:

Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion out the meat mixture and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Once all the meatballs are scooped, roll them gently into balls and return them to the baking sheet.

Tip: Lightly coat your hands with olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to avoid cracking.

4. Bake the Meatballs:

Bake the meatballs for 20-22 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one open—the inside should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.

5. Serve:

Remove the meatballs from the oven and either transfer them to sauce or serve immediately with your favorite side or pasta.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 18 meatballs (2 tablespoons each)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.

• Cheesy Meatballs: For extra cheesy goodness, stuff each meatball with a cube of mozzarella before baking.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these meatballs gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, warm them in the microwave, or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meatballs up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate them. Just bake them the day you plan to serve them.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

How can I ensure the meatballs stay tender?

Be sure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can cause the meatballs to become dense. Also, baking them helps to keep them tender compared to frying.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a shredded mozzarella for a different flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?

Yes, finely grated carrots or zucchini can be added to the meat mixture for extra nutrition. Just make sure to remove excess moisture from any added veggies to keep the texture of the meatballs intact.

Conclusion

These Best Italian Oven Baked Meatballs are easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them with spaghetti, using them in a sub, or enjoying them as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Their tender texture and delicious seasoning make them a family favorite, and they’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner!

Print