Classic Italian Baked Meatballs Recipe
This Classic Italian Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs made with seasoned breadcrumbs, ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Baked to perfection in the oven, these meatballs are a perfect hearty addition to your favorite pasta dishes or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup milk of your choice
- 1 lb. ground beef or preferred meat
- 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano ideally)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture soak for at least 5 minutes, allowing the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and soften, which helps keep the meatballs moist.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley to the soaked breadcrumb mixture. Gently combine all ingredients by hand, taking care not to overmix which can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape Meatballs: Using a cookie or ice cream scoop, portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and roll each portion into about 2-inch diameter meatballs for uniform size and even baking.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked. Once done, remove from the oven and drain any excess fat.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite pasta sauce, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer. Enjoy the classic Italian flavors!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if possible.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer, brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking for an extra crust.
- Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Check meatballs with a meat thermometer to guarantee proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
Keywords: Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, classic meatballs, Parmesan meatballs, easy dinner