Biting into one of these meatballs is like striking the perfect balance—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender within. They’re the kind of crowd-pleasers that shine in spaghetti, fill a sandwich with satisfaction, or hold their own as a saucy appetizer.
Thanks to a simple blend of breadcrumbs, milk, and egg, they stay moist and full of flavor from the inside out. Even better, they’re baked for a lighter twist without losing that crave-worthy bite.
⏱ Prep Time 15 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 20 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 4–6 ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Easy ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store in fridge for 4 days or freeze cooked meatballs up to 3 months
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes.
- Add ground meat, egg, garlic, Parmesan, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Roll into 1½-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp 75°C/165°F).
- Serve with pasta, in a sandwich, or simmered in marinara sauce.
💡 Recipe Notes / Tips
- Ground meat: Try a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor.
- Too sticky? Wet your hands when forming the balls.
- Want crispier edges? Broil for the last 2 minutes.
🧮 Nutrition Info (approx. per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 17g
- Sugar: 1g
❓ FAQs
- Q: Can I fry instead of bake?
A: Yes! Pan-fry in oil over medium heat, turning to brown all sides, about 10 minutes total. - Q: Can I freeze raw meatballs?
A: Definitely. Freeze raw on a tray, then transfer to bags. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes. - Q: What sauces go well with meatballs?
A: Marinara is classic, but try BBQ, teriyaki, or Swedish-style cream sauce for a twist.
Tried this meatball recipe?
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