Introduction
Baked meatballs are a fantastic dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or planning to impress guests, this baked meatball recipe is a guaranteed hit. Baking rather than frying the meatballs makes them healthier and easier to prepare, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. These versatile meatballs can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or as a stand-alone snack. They’re also a great way to make a big batch in advance, which can be stored and enjoyed throughout the week. If you’re looking for a comforting yet nutritious meal, this baked meatball recipe is your go-to solution.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot when the meatballs go in, giving them a perfectly crispy outside.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, milk, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs:
Once the mixture is fully mixed, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a meatball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. This recipe should yield around 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size you prefer.
Place on a Baking Sheet:
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown nicely in the oven.
Bake the Meatballs:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, serve the meatballs hot with marinara sauce over pasta, on sub rolls for a meatball sandwich, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions: These baked meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with spaghetti for a classic Italian dinner, or pair them with rice or vegetables for a lighter meal. You can also make a delicious meatball sub with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
Storing Tips: If you have leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave or reheat in a skillet with a bit of marinara sauce for extra flavor. You can also freeze baked meatballs for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Variants:
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: For a leaner alternative, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These versions are just as flavorful but lower in fat. Make sure to use a bit more seasoning to maintain flavor.
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