Introduction

These homemade meatballs are flavorful, juicy, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Perfect as a main dish or for serving alongside pasta, they bake quickly in the oven for a hands-off cooking experience.

Homemade Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large egg
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ cup white onion, diced
28 grams dry ranch seasoning mix

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line one large or two small baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, diced onion, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then shape each scoop into a tight ball with your hands.
Step 4: Arrange the meatballs about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the baking sheets from the oven and carefully turn each meatball over.
Step 6: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cooked through and browned.
Step 7: Line a separate baking sheet with paper towels and transfer the meatballs onto it to absorb any excess grease.
Step 8: Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes before mixing.
Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a brighter flavor.
Substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for richer meatballs.
If you like spicy, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use additional breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.

What can I serve these meatballs with?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti and marinara sauce, inside a sub sandwich, or alongside roasted vegetables and salad for a complete meal.

Homemade Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 57 reviews

These Homemade Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients like lean ground beef, parmesan cheese, and a hint of ranch seasoning. Baked to perfection in the oven, they provide a delicious and healthier alternative to fried meatballs, perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 40 meatballs 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large egg
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ cup white onion, diced
28 grams dry ranch seasoning mix

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the meatballs evenly and quickly.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line one large or two small baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, shredded parmesan cheese, diced white onion, and dry ranch seasoning mix. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a uniform mixture.
Form Meatballs: Using a 1.5 tablespoon size cookie scoop, portion the meat mixture and then use your hands to tightly pack each portion into a ball shape, ensuring they hold together during baking.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on the parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart to allow even cooking and heat circulation.
Bake First Side: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to begin cooking and browning.
Flip Meatballs: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully turn each meatball over using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking on all sides.
Bake Second Side: Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until they are fully cooked through and browned nicely on the outside.
Drain Excess Grease: Line a separate baking sheet or tray with paper towels, then transfer the cooked meatballs onto it to absorb any excess grease and prevent sogginess.
Serve: Place the meatballs on a serving platter and serve them hot as a main dish or appetizer as desired.

Notes

For even cooking, try to make all meatballs a uniform size using a cookie scoop.
If preferred, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
These meatballs can be frozen raw or cooked; freeze in an airtight container and thaw before reheating or cooking.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for beef to be safely cooked.

Keywords: homemade meatballs, baked meatballs, ground beef meatballs, easy meatballs, Italian breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning meatballs