If you’re craving a truly authentic Italian meatball experience, these oven-baked Italian meatballs are a must-try. Infused with rich flavors, this recipe results in tender, juicy meatballs with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or served with pasta, these meatballs are sure to impress!

Ingredients List

1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2/3 cup whole milk
1 lb ground beef (or any meat of your choice)
1/4 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp salt (adjust to your preference)
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

How to Make Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs with the milk. Stir well to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and soften. Set this mixture aside for at least 5 minutes to let it meld together.
Once the breadcrumb mixture has had time to sit, add the ground beef (or your choice of meat), finely diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands, ensuring everything is incorporated, but avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, so just combine the ingredients until everything is well-distributed.
Using a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop, portion out even-sized meatballs onto your prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, you can wet your hands with water to help roll the meatballs into 2-inch round balls without the mixture sticking to your hands.
Place the meatballs in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74°C). The outside should be golden and slightly crisp, while the inside remains juicy and tender.
Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off before serving. Serve your delicious meatballs with a side of pasta, a classic marinara sauce, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Meatballs

For the Softest Meatballs: The combination of breadcrumbs and milk creates a soft, delicate texture. If you want to ensure your meatballs remain tender, don’t skip this step!
Texture Adjustment: If you prefer firmer meatballs, reduce the breadcrumbs to 1/3 cup and the milk to 1/2 cup. You can also slightly reduce the salt to taste.
Baking Versus Frying: Baking meatballs is an easy and healthier alternative to frying. However, if you prefer a crispier outer layer, you can pan-fry the meatballs for a few minutes before baking.

Air Fryer Meatballs:

If you own an air fryer, you can make these meatballs with less oil and in less time. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them at 400ºF (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C). Air frying gives the meatballs a slightly crispier exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

How to Make Meatballs Ahead of Time

If you’re preparing for a busy week, you can easily make these meatballs in advance. Shape the meatballs and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Alternatively, freeze them before or after baking. For frozen meatballs, bake directly from the freezer for an additional 5 minutes or until fully cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to beef in meatballs. It will yield a slightly lighter texture, but the recipe will still turn out delicious. You can also use a mix of ground turkey and pork for extra flavor.
What can I substitute for milk in the recipe?
If you’re dairy-free or prefer to avoid milk, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These alternatives will still give the breadcrumbs the moisture needed for a tender meatball.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! To make gluten-free meatballs, simply substitute the Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can find these at most grocery stores or health food stores.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your meatballs are cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
What sauces pair best with these meatballs?
Traditional marinara sauce is always a great option, but you can also try them with creamy Alfredo sauce, a tangy BBQ sauce, or even a simple pesto. For extra flavor, top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Italian Meatballs Recipe

If you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal, these oven-baked Italian meatballs are perfect for you. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful dish ready in no time!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2/3 cup milk
1 lb ground beef (or your preferred meat)
1/4 medium onion, finely diced or grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk, letting them sit for 5 minutes to soften.
Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, parmesan, and parsley to the mixture. Stir until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat.
Shape into meatballs (about 2 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C).
Let them rest for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite sauce.

Notes

For firmer meatballs, adjust breadcrumbs and milk proportions.
To air fry, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth meatballs!