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    Cincy Shopper / Recipes / Main Dish

    Homemade Baked Italian Meatballs

    December 4, 2019 by Jen Cincyshopper 7 Comments

    2879 shares
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    Jump to Recipe Leave a Review
    5 from 1 vote

    Here you have The Best Baked Italian Meatball recipe. They are quite simple to make since we cook them in the oven. Serve with spaghetti and sauce, in a casserole, on a sub roll, or enjoy as is.

    Baked Italian Meatballs

    Italian Meatballs

    Italian food is always comforting and filling. They are some of my favorite meals to make for my large family. I have been making these Italian Meatballs for years to serve with most of our pasta dishes. The entire family devours them.

    The Best Homemade Italian Meatballs

    Meatballs with Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is so good. A big spaghetti dinner with salad and bread with my Homemade Garlic Spread rates high on my favorite dinner list. It’s an easy dinner and is super tasty.

    Homemade Italian Meatballs

    These are great for feeding a crowd. Sometimes, I will make quick and easy Slow Cooker Party Meatballs and other times, these Homemade Meatballs for our family get-togethers. Homemade is always best when I have a little bit of extra time required for this great recipe.

    Homemade Italian Meatballs with sauce

    If we have leftovers, the meatballs with sauce on sub rolls make for a great lunch or second dinner because they reheat well. Plus, you can make them quickly. Mozzarella or Provolone cheese, Italian meatballs, and sauce on a roll are insanely delicious.

    Homemade meatballs

    For this recipe, I use both ground beef and pork. It adds the extra moisture needed for a juicy and soft meatball. The taste is not overpowering, and the flavor is perfect.

    I also use bread; it’s a classic ingredient in traditional meatballs. When combined with a little bit of milk, it will make them so tender. Some recipes like the one found on the Pillsbury website use bread crumbs but, I think plain sandwich bread is best.

    Baked Italian Meatballs

    Fresh Parsley is always a great addition. Anytime that fresh herbs can be used, use them. The flavor profile is better. I do not keep fresh oregano, garlic, or basil on hand so, I use prepackaged.

    I use onion in our meatballs. Onion makes everything better if you ask me. If you have picky eaters, go ahead and puree the onion, they will not even know you have hidden them.

    Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the secret ingredient that makes these so delicious. Pre-shredded cheese will not taste as good or result in the same consistency. Skip the stuff in the can or bag, and you will thank me later.

    Italian Meatballs

    Ingredients to Make Italian Meatballs

    • Ground Beef
    • Ground Pork
    • Bread
    • Egg
    • Milk
    • Parmesan Cheese
    • Onion
    • Parsley
    • Basil
    • Oregano
    • Crushed Red Pepper
    • Salt & Pepper

    Ingredients to make Italian Meatballs

    How to Make Italian Meatballs

    First, you will need to preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Then, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Now, tear or cube your bread and add to a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, mix, and allow to soak.

    Bread and milk mixture

    Next, add a small amount of olive oil to a small skillet. Add the onion and cook until translucent.

    Cooked onions

    For the next step, add the onions along with all remaining ingredients to the bread and milk mixture.

    Italian Meatball ingredients in a bowl

    Mix all the ingredients until well combined. I usually use my hands for this step.

    Italian Meatball mixture

    Now it’s time to form the meatballs. I have found that we prefer to make them about an inch and a half in size. Hands work best. Sure, you can use a scoop if you prefer.

    Oven Baked Italian Meatballs on a sheet pan

    Finally, add them to the prepared sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Be sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees.

    Baking meatballs is so much easier than pan frying. Using the oven creates less mess. They keep their shape, size, and texture much better than fried versions

    Cooked Italian Meatballs on a pan

    The cooked meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. So, they are a great make-ahead recipe. Or, go ahead and freeze them if you would like.

    Homemade Meatballs

    Italian Meatballs with sauce on a plate

    RECIPE
    Print Pin Rate

    Homemade Italian Meatballs

    Here you have The Best Baked Italian Meatball recipe. They are quite simple to make since we cook them in the oven. Serve with spaghetti and sauce, in a casserole, on a sub roll, or enjoy as is.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Servings 12 meatballs
    Calories 234kcal
    Author Jen CIncyshopper

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 lb Ground Beef
    • 1/2 lb Ground Pork
    • 3 slices Bread
    • 1/4 cup Milk
    • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
    • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
    • 1/2 Onion diced
    • 1 Egg
    • 1 tsp Basil
    • 1 tsp Oregano
    • 1 tsp Salt
    • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
    • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425.
    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.
    • Tear up bread and place in a large bowl.
    • Add milk and allow bread to absorb it.
    • Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to a small skillet over medium low heat.
    • Sautee onions until translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
    • Add onions and remaining ingredients to the soaked bread.
    • Mix with your hands until well combined.
    • Form into balls about 1 1/2 inch in diameter and place on prepared pan.
    • Bake until internal temperature reaches 165 (about 25-30 minutes).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg
    Have you made this recipe?Snap a pic and show us on Instagram or Facebook.Tag me @Cincyshopper or #cincyshopper.

    Homemade Baked Italian Meatballs

    Baked Italian Meatballs

    Homemade Baked Italian Meatballs

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    2879 shares
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    Filed Under: Appetizer, Main Dish

    About Jen Cincyshopper

    Learn about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lynn

      July 01, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      Can I use store bought seasoned Italian breadcrumbs with milk?

      Reply
    2. Peggy

      June 15, 2020 at 7:12 pm

      Great moist meatballs
      Like to put on slotted tray with reservoir below, put beef stock or broth in pan under meatballs. Steam absorbs int meatballs adding flavor and meatballs are moist instead of dry!

      Reply
    3. PHYLLIS MCDONOUGH

      December 05, 2019 at 11:21 am

      About how many does this recipe make?

      Reply
      • Jen

        December 05, 2019 at 11:59 am

        Hi Phyllis! My hubby forgot to add the quantity. He’s getting it added now:) This recipe will make 12-15 meatballs. Have a wonderful day.

        Reply
    4. Ruby Lucas

      December 04, 2019 at 8:36 pm

      Can u use these meatballs for sweet & sour meatballs?

      Reply
      • Jen

        December 12, 2019 at 7:41 pm

        Hi Ruby! I have not tried them with a sweet and sour sauce. But, I bet they would be quite tasty! Maybe cut back on a bit of the Oregano and Basil a little:) I hope that helps! Have a wonderful holiday!

        Reply
    5. Bette Harper

      December 04, 2019 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      Recipes like my Nana’s and my Mom.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm JEN! A lover of food and frugal living. A wife to a wonderful hubby, momma to 5 fun kiddos. Welcome to my blog. You will find REAL TASTY RECIPES. Be sure to subscribe to my email list and follow me on social media, to never miss a recipe.

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