Baked Italian Meatballs are a simple, flavorful, and juicy meal that’s perfect for family dinners, pasta nights, or sandwiches. Made with a mix of ground beef, Italian seasonings, and Parmesan cheese, they bake in the oven to golden perfection without the mess of frying. Serve them with marinara sauce over spaghetti or enjoy as a hearty appetizer.
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
2. Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
3. Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Step 5: Serve
Warm the marinara sauce and serve the meatballs over pasta, in a sub, or on their own as an appetizer. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
4. Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 meatballs)
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
5. Tips
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Don’t overmix the meat mixture; it keeps the meatballs tender.
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For extra flavor, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
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Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
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Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
