Perfectly Tender and Juicy Meatballs
If you’re craving meatballs that are full of flavor and incredibly easy to make, these baked meatballs are the answer.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have tender, juicy meatballs that are guaranteed to impress.
These meatballs are perfect for quick dinners or feeding the whole family, and they taste just as good as they look.
Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll love how easy it is to create a meal everyone will enjoy!
For Baked Meatballs:
- Lean Ground Beef – The main protein of the meatballs, providing a great base for the flavor.
- Onion – Finely chopped for flavor and a bit of texture in the meatballs.
- Dried Bread Crumbs – Help bind the meatballs and add a little texture.
- Garlic – Minced to give the meatballs their savory depth of flavor.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together to form the meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a bit of saltiness and richness.
- Ketchup – Helps to add moisture and a slight tanginess to the meatballs.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.
- Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Best Ever Easy Baked Meatballs
Notes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1/2 tbsp dried)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, parmesan cheese, ketchup, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes:
- Makes about 30 meatballs (1-inch in size).
Nutrition
Calories: 40 | Carbs: 1.6g | Protein: 5.1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.7g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 156mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.5g
- Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture in advance! Simply mix the ingredients and store the mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This saves you time on the day you plan to bake them.
- How can I make the meatballs more tender?
To ensure tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture when adding the beef. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed, and try using 80% lean ground beef to keep them juicy and soft.
- Can I bake these meatballs without using breadcrumbs?
Yes! If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can substitute with rolled oats or crushed crackers. They’ll give a similar texture and help bind the meatballs together.
- How can I make the meatballs cook faster?
To speed up cooking, make your meatballs smaller—about ¾-inch. This reduces cooking time, ensuring they bake quicker and still stay juicy.
- Can I freeze the meatballs before baking?
Absolutely! After shaping the meatballs, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
