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Homemade Meatballs Recipe

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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the meatballs evenly and quickly.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Bake First Side: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to begin cooking and browning.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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