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Meatballs Recipe

Baked Italian Meatballs

These tender and juicy Italian meatballs are baked instead of fried, making them an easy and mess-free option for a hearty, homemade meal. Packed with herbs, Parmesan, and garlic, they’re perfect with pasta, on a sandwich, or over polenta.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 bunch fresh parsley chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cooking spray
  • Oven
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, soak bread crumbs in milk or broth for 20 minutes.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Lower heat and cook another 10 to 15 minutes until very soft. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, soaked bread crumbs, cooked onions, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently with a spatula until well blended.
  4. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about 1 hour to help the flavors blend and firm up the mixture.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  6. Form the meat mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
  8. Transfer meatballs to a pot of your favorite tomato sauce and simmer on low for 1 to 2 hours for best flavor.

Notes

For extra flavor, simmer the baked meatballs in homemade marinara. These meatballs also freeze well, either before or after baking. Try using an ice cream scoop to portion the meatballs evenly.