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Juicy Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

Highlight: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features tender meatballs made from ground beef mixed with diced onion, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, the meatballs are formed into bite-sized spheres and baked at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. The result is a savory, juicy main dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite sauce and complements a variety of meals, offering a balanced mix of protein and herbs.

To boost flavor, adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil is recommended. These meatballs also freeze well, making them suitable for preparing ahead of time while maintaining their rich taste and texture.

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Crafted By Sophie
Updated on Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:57:21 GMT
A plate of meatballs covered in sauce. Save
A plate of meatballs covered in sauce. | myhomemademeal.com

This oven-baked Italian meatballs recipe delivers juicy, savory, and perfectly seasoned meatballs with minimal fuss. It’s an easy way to bring classic Italian comfort food to your table, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

I first made these meatballs when I was experimenting with a quick dinner for friends, and they quickly became a favorite at every meal since. The balance of cheese, herbs, and ground beef creates a flavor that feels both homey and special.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: choose fresh, ideally 80 percent lean for juicy, tender meatballs
  • Onion: adds moisture and sweetness, finely diced to blend seamlessly
  • Garlic: minced for aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: brings savory richness and a slightly nutty complexity
  • Fresh parsley: chopped to keep the flavor bright and herbaceous
  • Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning that enhances all the other tastes
  • Your favorite sauce: whether it is tomato-based or creamy, this will complement the meatballs perfectly. I recommend using a good quality sauce for the best result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the meatballs go in. A properly preheated oven helps them cook evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
Combine Ingredients:
In a spacious bowl, add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix them together thoroughly but gently to avoid compacting the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs:
Form the mixture into evenly sized balls about one inch in diameter. Keeping them uniform helps them cook evenly throughout. Avoid packing them too tightly or they might turn dense.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs spaced apart so the heat can circulate and they brown all around.
Bake Until Done:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be exact – they’re done at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
Serve with Sauce:
Spoon your favorite sauce over the meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping. This adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish.
A plate of meatballs covered in sauce. Save
A plate of meatballs covered in sauce. | myhomemademeal.com

I love the role Parmesan cheese plays here It not only adds savory depth but helps bind the meatballs together smoothly. One of my favorite family memories is watching my kids get excited just by the smell of these baking in the oven.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a sauce or the oven to keep them moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for added richness or use ground turkey for a leaner option. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried Italian herbs like oregano or basil will work as well. Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs atop spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal. They also make a fantastic protein component in a sub sandwich with melted mozzarella. Pair with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best oven temperature for baking meatballs?

Preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) ensures the meatballs cook evenly and develop a flavorful browned exterior while staying juicy inside.

→ How can I keep meatballs moist and tender?

Incorporating ingredients like grated parmesan and diced onions adds moisture and richness, helping the meatballs remain tender throughout baking.

→ Can I add herbs to enhance the flavor?

Yes, adding Italian herbs such as oregano or basil complements the base seasoning and deepens the savory profile of the meatballs.

→ Is it possible to freeze these cooked meatballs?

Absolutely. Once cooled, meatballs freeze well and can be reheated without losing their texture or flavor quality.

→ What sauces pair well with these baked meatballs?

Classic tomato-based sauces, creamy gratins, or even simple herb-infused olive oil drizzles make excellent accompaniments to these meatballs.

Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

Juicy oven-baked Italian meatballs with parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs make for a delicious main dish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Crafted By: Sophie

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Beginner-Friendly

Regional Cuisine: Italian

Servings Output: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Choices: Gluten-Free Alternative

Everything You’ll Need

→ Meatball Mixture

01 1 lb ground beef
02 1 medium onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
06 Salt, to taste
07 Black pepper, to taste

→ Serving

08 Your choice of sauce

Steps to Cook

Step 01

Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated.

Step 03

Form the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking.

Step 04

Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly to allow heat circulation.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and meatballs are cooked through.

Step 06

Plate the meatballs and accompany with your preferred sauce for serving.

Extra Suggestions

  1. To enhance flavor, consider incorporating Italian herbs such as oregano or basil into the mixture.
  2. These meatballs freeze well—store in an airtight container for future meals.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 250
  • Fat Breakdown: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 5 grams
  • Protein Count: 20 grams