Description
These Juicy Baked Meatballs are a melt-in-your-mouth classic that guarantees tender results every time without the mess of stovetop frying. By using a simple milk-based panade and baking at a high heat, you get perfectly browned, protein-packed meatballs that are versatile enough for pasta, subs, or a standalone snack in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk (the secret to moisture)
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced very fine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil.
- The Panade: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade, which prevents the meat from getting tough.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whisked egg, garlic, parmesan, parsley, and spices. Stir in the breadcrumb mixture, then add the ground beef.
- The Gentle Mix: Use your hands to combine ingredients just until incorporated. Do not overwork the meat or the meatballs will become dense.
- Roll the Meatballs: Scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into 1.5-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet with an inch of space between each.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t skip the resting period—it allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat for maximum tenderness. For a lean alternative, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken but add a teaspoon of olive oil to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg