Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make oven-baked meatballs that are perfect for any occasion.

Violet Hart

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:52:14.455Z

This Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe is a family favorite that brings everyone to the table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Juicy and flavorful meatballs baked to perfection
  • Great for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners
  • Versatile and can be served in various dishes

The Perfect Meatball for Any Occasion

Meatballs are a timeless classic that can be served in countless ways, making them a favorite in many households. Whether it's a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a festive holiday meal, these oven-baked meatballs fit right in. Their savory flavor and tender texture are sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, they can be enjoyed alone or paired with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or even on top of a salad.

One of the best things about these meatballs is their versatility. You can easily customize the flavor by adding different herbs and spices or even incorporating other types of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken. This recipe serves as a great base, allowing you to experiment and make it your own. The ability to adapt to various culinary preferences makes these meatballs a go-to recipe for any cook.

Easy Meal Prep Made Simple

In today’s busy world, meal prep is a lifesaver for many home cooks. These oven-baked meatballs are not only quick to make but also freeze beautifully, allowing you to prepare them in advance. You can make a large batch over the weekend and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. This way, you’ll have ready-to-cook meatballs that can easily be added to your weeknight meals, saving you time and effort during hectic days.

When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven or stovetop. They can be tossed into a simmering sauce, added to a fresh salad, or even served with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack. The convenience of having homemade meatballs on hand makes meal planning easy and stress-free.

Healthier Cooking with Oven Baking

Baking meatballs in the oven is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty dish without the added fat that often comes from frying. This cooking method allows the meatballs to cook evenly and develop a nice, browned exterior while remaining juicy on the inside. Plus, it cuts down on the mess and splatter that frying can cause, making cleanup much easier.

By using lean ground beef and incorporating healthy ingredients like fresh parsley and garlic, these meatballs provide a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. You can feel good about serving these to your family and friends, knowing they are enjoying a meal that is both delicious and health-conscious.

Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Mix all ingredients well before forming meatballs.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix until well combined.

Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve your meatballs with marinara sauce and pasta or on a sub roll!

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, avoid overmixing the ingredients. This can lead to a tough texture. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Additionally, when forming the meatballs, try to keep them uniform in size, about 1 inch in diameter, to ensure even cooking throughout the batch.

If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider incorporating finely chopped onions or bell peppers into the mixture. Just ensure they are well distributed, so each meatball has a burst of flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

These flavorful meatballs can be served in various ways. For a classic meal, pair them with spaghetti and marinara sauce, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Alternatively, place them in a sub roll with melted cheese for a satisfying meatball sandwich.

For a lighter option, try serving them on a bed of fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette or in a wrap with crisp vegetables. The possibilities are endless, making these meatballs a delicious addition to any meal.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option. Just be mindful not to overheat, as this can dry them out.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.

→ How can I store leftover meatballs?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with meatballs?

These meatballs are perfect with spaghetti, in a meatball sub, or served with a side of vegetables.

Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe

Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make oven-baked meatballs that are perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Violet Hart

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Meatball Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix until well combined.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 20g