Oven-Baked Beef Meatballs: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Oven-Baked Beef Meatballs are a classic comfort food that’s juicy, flavorful, and baked to perfection in the oven no frying required! These tender meatballs, coated in rich marinara sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley, are perfect for spaghetti night, meatball subs, or serving as appetizers at family gatherings.

This guide walks you through making moist, evenly cooked meatballs that are bursting with Italian flavor simple, wholesome, and downright delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking – Skip the skillet and bake everything on one tray.
• Juicy & Flavorful – Tender beef seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.
• Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect Texture – Golden on the outside, moist and soft inside.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Freeze and reheat with ease.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray (for baking)
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, parsley, and seasonings. Mix gently until combined.
3. Shape Meatballs: Roll into 1½-inch balls and place evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Lightly spray with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C).
5. Sauce & Serve: Warm marinara sauce in a skillet, then add baked meatballs. Simmer 5 minutes and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Plating Tips: Serve on a bed of spaghetti with marinara and grated Parmesan.
• Side Pairings: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or Caesar salad.
• Leftover Uses: Great in meatball subs or over mashed potatoes.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair with red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Additional Tips

• Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest results.
• Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
• Add a small cube of mozzarella inside for a cheesy surprise.
• For extra flavor, use half beef and half pork.

Variations

• Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh basil or oregano.
• Keto Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
• Glazed Style: Brush with BBQ or teriyaki sauce before baking.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months; reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave with sauce.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Adjust cooking time as needed since lean meats cook faster.

Can I bake them with sauce?
Yes just pour sauce over during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Can I double the batch?
Absolutely! Freeze extras for quick meals.

Why are my meatballs dry?
Add more milk or use a fattier beef blend to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Beef Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser simple, flavorful, and versatile. Whether served with pasta, tucked into subs, or enjoyed on their own, these juicy baked meatballs are a timeless favorite that never disappoints.

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