Wondering what the secret is to making gorgeous, tender baked meatballs in a cinch? Our easy meatball recipe shows you how to whip up this delicious comfort food quickly.
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Homemade meatballs are so much tastier than anything you’ll pick up at the supermarket. They’re a simple comfort food perfect for everything from quick pasta dishes and stews to hearty sandwiches and appetizers. This easy baked meatball recipe is an inexpensive 30-minute meal that is a fantastic option if you’re looking for quick meal prep ideas.
Crumble the ground beef into a large bowl, and add the eggs, onion, garlic, water, bread crumbs, Parmesan and seasonings on top.
The eggs and bread crumbs are essential for binding the meat. Thanks to their moisture content, eggs help keep your meatballs lovely and tender.
Test Kitchen Tip: This recipe calls for soft bread crumbs—not Panko (bigger, crispier bread crumbs), dry or seasoned bread crumbs (sometimes called Italian bread crumbs). Luckily, you can make your own soft bread crumbs at home. Just put a slice or two of bread in a food processor and voila! Fresh, soft breadcrumbs. 1 slice of bread typically yields about 1 cup.
Step 2: Combine and shape
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Use your hands to combine everything but do not overwork the beef. If you overdo it, you run the risk of tough meatballs. Instead, gently work the mix until it’s just combined.
Once you’re happy with the beef mixture, lightly shape the meatballs to be about 1 to 1-1/2 inches. You can make larger meatballs, if you choose. But no matter whether you decide to go big or small, you’ll want to keep them all roughly the same size. Otherwise, they’ll cook unevenly.
Test Kitchen Tip: Use a cookie scoop to guarantee evenly sized meatballs.
Step 3: Put the meatballs in the oven
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Grease a rack and place it in a shallow baking tray. I pour a little olive oil onto a paper towel and rub the rack down, but a nonstick cooking spray would work here. Arrange the meatballs, and then put them in the oven. Bake at 375°F for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until your instant-read thermometer says they’re cooked through (160-165°). If you’re having a vegetarian on your guest list, then you can serve these delicious vegan meatballs.
Test Kitchen Tip: You also have the option of browning the meatballs before you bake them, if you want to add a little bit of flavor and of course, some color. However, this is completely optional and not necessary if you’re on a tight schedule.
Homemade Baked Meatballs Tips
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Can you use other meats instead of ground beef in this baked meatball recipe?
Yes—don’t limit yourself to beef! You can swap it for pork, chicken, lamb, turkey or game meat to put a new spin on this tried-and-true classic. If you’re hankering for ultra-tender meatballs, fatty meats are the way to go. If lean meats like chicken or turkey are on the menu, consider adding a splash of milk to the egg mix. This will moisten the breadcrumbs and help prevent the meatballs from getting tough.
How can you make baked meatballs your own?
While this recipe calls for Italian seasoning, a sprinkling of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme and basil pack some serious flavor. Mint would be gorgeous with lamb, while cilantro gives pork and chicken meatballs a zesty flair.
If you’re out of eggs or would rather not use them in your baked meatballs, you’ve got options. You can substitute a few tablespoons of applesauce per egg, or you can prep a flaxseed mixture instead. To do this, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until it turns into a thick gel.
How do you store baked meatballs?
You can freeze your meatballs to enjoy later if you like. After they’re out of the oven, let them cool down completely before freezing them. Or prep the meatballs and put them in an airtight container in the fridge to cook later in the week—just be sure to cook them within 2 to 3 days. (Learn more about how to tell if ground beef has gone bad.)
Do you need to cover the meatballs with tin foil in the oven?
According to Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor, these baked meatballs cook fast enough in the oven that they don’t need to be covered. On the contrary, they’d have better flavor and color if you don’t!
What can you serve with baked meatballs?
Of course, baked meatballs go perfectly with a heaping plate of spaghetti! You also can’t go wrong with putting them in a meatball sub sandwich or as a topping on a hearty meatball pizza. Or, make them ahead and freeze them so you can make meatball casserole on a moment’s notice.
Baked meatballs are also a great homemade main course when you pair them with garlic bread and roasted vegetables or a side salad.
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
One of our favorite comfort food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lightened-up, healthier version featuring so many veggies. The same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! — Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
(Need more meatballs? Try these meatball recipes from around the world!)
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Taco Meatball RingWhile it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan. Looking for a dairy-free recipe? Learn how to make vegan meatballs.
French Onion Soup with MeatballsI got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it's comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, Arizona
Meatball FlatbreadAs amazing as this flatbread is, you would never know how unbelievably easy it is to make. And hiding veggies in the sauce is a great trick, especially if you have kids. For a crunchy crust, bake the naan in the oven until slightly crispy on top before adding the tomato puree. —Kimberly Berg, North Street, Michigan
Tangy Sweet-and-Sour MeatballsA tangy sauce, combined with green pepper and pineapple, tranforms Ruther's pre-made meatballs into a delightful main dish served over rice. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Italian Meatball KabobsWhen the temperatures are high, and so is your craving for Italian fare, turn to these deliciously different kabobs. A green salad and rustic bread are all you'll need to complete this summer meal. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Mama Mia Meatball TaquitosWe love lasagna, but it takes too long on weeknights. My solution: meatball taquitos. My kids get the flavors they want, and I get a meal on the table in a hurry. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Buffalo Chicken MeatballsI like to dunk these appetizer meatballs in blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. If I make them for a meal, I often skip the dressing and serve with blue cheese polenta on the side. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet SupperI developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Orange-Glazed MeatballsI love the sweet orange marmalade paired with the zip of a jalapeno in this sweet-sour glaze. —Bonnie Stallings, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Whole Grain Chow MeinMy kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California
Peppered MeatballsPlenty of ground pepper gives these saucy meatballs their irresistible zest. They're so hearty, I sometimes serve them over noodles as a main course.
—Darla Schroeder, Stanley, North Dakota
Honey Buffalo Meatball SlidersThese little sliders deliver big Buffalo chicken flavor without the messiness of wings. The spicy-sweet meatballs are a hit on game day with kids and adults alike. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Pork Meatballs with Chimichurri SauceChimichurri is a tangy herb sauce that comes from South America that's often served with steak. If you've never had it with meatballs, it's time to give it a try! —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Easy Tortellini Spinach SoupThis is the easiest soup you will ever make—believe me! I always keep the ingredients on hand, so if I'm feeling under the weather or just plain busy I can throw together this comforting soup in a flash. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Grandma's Swedish MeatballsMy mother made these hearty meatballs when we were growing up, and now my kids love them, too. My daughter likes to help shake the meatballs in flour. —Karin Ness, Big Lake, Minnesota
Meatball Hash Brown BakeFor a seniors potluck at church, I wanted to create a recipe that would incorporate a meat dish and side dish in one. This casserole proved to be a crowd-pleaser, and many people asked for the recipe. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
Muffin Pan MeatballsThis is a simple weeknight recipe my grandma passed along to me. I grew up on a farm where my father was a beef producer, so we always had ground beef in the freezer. I made these meatballs for our family and for kids while I was babysitting, and they were always a hit. Leftovers reheat well the next day. —Karen Davis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Meatball Cabbage RollsMy mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma
German MeatballsThis is one of our favorite main dishes. Because we raise our own pork and beef, the meat we use is always freshly ground. For variety, these meatballs can be cooked with a sweet cream gravy or steamed with tomatoes. But we prefer them with homemade sauerkraut. —Iona Redemer, Calumet, Oklahoma
Red Curry Carrot SoupWith its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this easy soup is something special. The meatballs make it hearty enough to serve as a light entree. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington
Meatball Skillet MealWith colorful vegetables and nicely seasoned meatballs, this hearty dinner offers a lot of flavor for not a lot of money. —Donna Smith, Victor, New York
Meatballs in Barbecue SauceThis recipe came from my home ec teacher in high school. I enjoy making it because you can throw it in the oven and still have time to do other things.—Yvonne Nave, Lyons, Kansas
Giant Meatball SubAs either a hearty sandwich or a filling lunch or dinner, this sub will rise to the top of your list of favorites. —Deana Paul, San Dimas, California
Swedish MeatballsMom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings when I was growing up. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Pressure-Cooker Curried Chicken Meatball WrapsMy strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Let everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Festive Turkey MeatballsTurkey gives a different twist to these slightly sweet and spicy meatballs. For the holidays, I serve them on a tray lined with parsley and garnished with red pepper or pimientos. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Three-Cheese Meatball MostaccioliWhen my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti & MeatballsI’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Italian Meatball SubsThis is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first to quickly brown them. —Jean Glacken, Elkton, Maryland
Appetizer MeatballsThis recipe is easy, and the meatballs can be made well ahead of time and frozen until needed. I think what makes them taste so good is the sauce. —Nathalie Guest, Caledon, Ontario
Meatball PizzaI always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
These glazed meatballs are spicy, sweet and easy to make. —Gail Borczyk, Boca Raton, Florida
Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup with Bok ChoyThroughout Vietnam there are many kinds of soups, “canh,” served all year long. I particularly love enjoying this warm, flavorful bowl of Vietnamese chicken soup on laid-back weekends, but it's also great packed in a Thermos for lunch. It's the perfect bok choy soup, too! —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina
Meatball Submarine CasseroleWe were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California
Great-Grandma's Italian MeatballsMy great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts
Hoisin Meatball Lettuce WrapsI make these tangy-sweet appetizers every year during the holidays, and it doesn't take long for them to disappear.—Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas
One-Pot Unstuffed CabbageHere is one of my favorite ways to cook and enjoy cabbage. It has all the good flavor of regular cabbage rolls, but it's a lot less bother to make. In fact, it's a one-pot meal! —Mrs. Bernard Snow, Lewiston, Michigan
Spaghetti Meatball SupperIt was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
Hawaiian MeatballsTalk about one easy dish that creates an amazing sweet and sour sauce! You can serve over rice for more of a dinner-like option, but I also like to offer them as an appetizer simply served with toothpicks. —Julie Schiefer, Nappanee, Indiana
Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball HoagiesWhen my husband's not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These mouthwatering meatballs are just one reason why. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser as an appetizer, or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Cranberry MeatballsLots of people have asked me for this recipe, but I knew I had a real winner when my grandmother asked me for it! —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
Chicken Florentine MeatballsServed over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Mediterranean Meatball SandwichesI grow onions, garlic and herbs, so that’s what I use in these saucy sandwiches. Make patties or form the ground beef into meatballs instead. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
Meatball TortelliniI combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana
Slow-Cooked Meatball StewI came up with this hearty meal-in-one as another way to use frozen meatballs. It's quick to put together in the morning and ready when my husband gets home in the evening. —Iris Schultz, Miamisburg, Ohio
Barbecue and Beer MeatballsThis simple meatball recipe relies on time-saving ingredients like frozen meatballs and barbecue sauce. It's the perfect last-minute appetizer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Best Spaghetti and MeatballsOne evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Slow-Cooker Meatball SandwichesOur approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Dressed-Up MeatballsFrozen meatballs and a jar of sweet-and-sour sauce make this microwave meal a last-minute lifesaver when racing against the clock. The flavorful sauce is dressed up with a hint of garlic and nicely coats the colorful mixture of meatballs, carrots, green pepper and onion. —Ivy Eresmas, Dade City, Florida
Meatball PieI grew up on a farm, so I took part in 4-H Club cooking activities. I still love to prepare and serve classic, wholesome recipes such as this meat and veggie pie. —Susan Keith, Fort Plain, New York
Easy Asian Glazed MeatballsAs a writer and busy mom of three boys, I need tasty meals on the quick. We serve these glazed meatballs over a steaming bed of rice. —Amy Dong, Woodbury, Minnesota
Part of the third generation in a family of restaurateurs, Camille was born with a passion for cooking and food. She embarked on a career in hospitality where she excelled as a sommelier and wine director. This hospitality experience has given her a wealth of first-hand knowledge about how to pair all manner of drinks with food—plus some serious kitchen skills. These days, she's hung up her wine key in favor of a pen and covers all aspects of food and drink.
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Updated: Jun. 28, 2023
