Baked Italian Meatballs

There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of juicy, flavorful meatballs fresh out of the oven. They fill your kitchen with that classic Italian aroma and make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy family dinner.

These baked Italian meatballs are tender on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and bursting with herbs and savory flavor. They’re great served over spaghetti, tucked into a sub, or even on their own with a bit of marinara and melted cheese.

Baking them means you get that beautiful golden crust without the mess of frying. So let’s walk through how to make these perfect meatballs that are both delicious and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and chicken/turkey for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• A drizzle of olive oil for baking

For serving (optional):

• Marinara sauce
• Cooked spaghetti or crusty bread
• Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Italian Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and chopped onion. The onion adds moisture and flavor, while the breadcrumbs and Parmesan help bind everything together and keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Now add the minced garlic, milk, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. The milk and egg act as the moisture and binding agents that keep your meatballs from drying out while baking. Mix everything gently using your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix—doing so can make the meatballs dense instead of juicy.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out a small handful of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball roughly the size of a golf ball (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they can brown evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the meatballs to help them crisp up as they bake. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one open—it should no longer be pink in the center and should read at least 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Simmer in Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

For that authentic Italian flavor, heat a pot of marinara sauce on the stove while the meatballs bake. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them straight into the sauce and let them simmer for 10–15 minutes. This extra step infuses them with more flavor and keeps them juicy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your baked Italian meatballs over spaghetti for a hearty meal, or tuck them into toasted sub rolls with melted mozzarella for the perfect meatball sandwich. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic make a big difference in flavor.
  
• Mix gently: Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough. Combine until just mixed.
  
• Try a mix of meats: A combination of ground beef and ground chicken or turkey creates a balanced flavor and texture.
  
• Freeze for later: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and reheat in sauce.
  
• For extra crispiness: Turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of baking to get a lightly browned crust.

These baked Italian meatballs are a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests. Once you make them, you’ll see how easy it is to bring a touch of Italy to your kitchen without any fuss.

Try it out and let me know!