If you’ve ever wanted a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with minimal fuss, you’re going to love this Easy Meatball Recipe. Bursting with savory flavors, tender texture, and just the right touch of herbs and cheese, these meatballs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Whether you serve them with spaghetti, dip them in your favorite sauce, or enjoy them straight from the oven, this recipe brings taste and joy to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients form the heart of this Easy Meatball Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: the ground beef provides richness, the breadcrumbs keep the meatballs juicy, while the parmesan and fresh herbs add bursts of flavor and color that make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef: Gives the meatballs a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness; you can substitute half with ground pork for extra tenderness.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as the binding agent to keep everything together without being heavy.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and soaks up the meat juices for a soft, yet firm texture.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Introduces a savory, salty depth that’s hard to resist.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and crunch that elevates the meatballs.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Delivers a rich aroma and bold flavor that personalizes the dish.
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a splash of green color.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Meatball Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and mixing together the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and if you love a bit of green freshness, the chopped parsley. This step is where all those simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and cohesive mixture. Don’t overwork it though; just mix until combined to keep your meatballs tender.
Step 2: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F, then line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray so those meatballs don’t stick to the pan as they cook and get their perfect golden finish.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a medium cookie scoop or just a spoon, scoop out the meat mixture and gently roll each portion into a 1 1/2-inch ball. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet so they cook evenly and hold their shape beautifully.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop those meatballs into the oven and bake uncovered for 17 to 20 minutes. Halfway through, give them a careful turn so the bottoms don’t get too brown and the heat distributes nicely. You’ll know they’re done when they are cooked through with no pink inside and have a lovely browned exterior.
Step 5: Optional Sauce Simmer
If you want to take your Easy Meatball Recipe up a notch, simmer them in marinara sauce for an extra 10 minutes after baking. This step adds moisture and infuses the meatballs with a rich tomato flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Meatball Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley on top transforms your meatballs into a restaurant-quality dish. The cheese melts slightly on contact and the herbs add a fresh, vibrant touch that’s visually appealing and flavorful.
Side Dishes
From classic spaghetti noodles to creamy mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies, this Easy Meatball Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a lighter option, serve them over a bed of sautéed greens or zucchini noodles to keep things fresh and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to surprise your guests? Try serving the meatballs as appetizers with toothpicks alongside a tangy dipping sauce. Or, layer them into a hearty sub sandwich with melted provolone and fresh basil for a delicious handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your meatballs have cooled to room temperature, keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making them perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can enjoy your Easy Meatball Recipe anytime by thawing and reheating as needed.
Reheating
Reheat your meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you simmered them in sauce, reheat it together for juicy, flavorful results that taste as good as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this Easy Meatball Recipe. Just be mindful to not overmix and consider adding a bit more moisture like an extra egg or some olive oil to keep them tender.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and egg helps bind the meat mixture together. Also, avoid overmixing and forming the meatballs gently to maintain their structure for baking or simmering.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead, then keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This saves prep time on the day you want to serve them.
What sauce pairs best with these meatballs?
While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can experiment with creamy mushroom sauce, barbecue glaze, or even a spicy arrabbiata for different flavor profiles that complement the meatballs beautifully.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
The recipe as written includes breadcrumbs, which usually contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Meatball Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something delicious, satisfying, and fuss-free. The combination of simple ingredients with straightforward steps makes it accessible for cooks of all levels. I encourage you to try it out, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors that make every meal special.
PrintEasy Meatball Recipe
This easy meatball recipe features a flavorful mix of ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a standalone appetizer or served over spaghetti with marinara sauce, these tender meatballs are simple to prepare and great for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (approximately 20 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef (can substitute half with ground pork)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and chopped parsley if using to create a uniform mixture.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Scoop and Form: Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to portion the meat mixture. Form each portion into a 1 1/2-inch diameter ball and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs uncovered in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes. Turn them halfway through baking to avoid bottom browning and ensure even cooking. Meatballs are done when no longer pink inside.
- Optional Simmer: If desired, transfer the baked meatballs to a skillet with marinara sauce and simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse them with extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs alone as a delicious appetizer, or over spaghetti noodles. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Notes
- You can substitute half or all of the ground beef with ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- Be sure to turn the meatballs halfway during baking to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning on the bottom.
- Simmering the meatballs in marinara sauce is optional but adds extra moistness and flavor.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender; feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a fresh herbaceous note to the meatballs.
