Easy Meatball Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s comforting, foolproof, and irresistibly delicious, this Easy Meatball Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, these homemade meatballs capture everything you crave from a classic family favorite—without any complicated steps or specialty ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Easy Meatball Recipe is how it turns simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add flavor, bind everything together, and help each meatball bake up golden-brown and delicious.

• 80% lean ground beef (or half ground pork): The fat content keeps the meatballs juicy, and a pork-beef blend makes them extra flavorful.
• Large egg, beaten: This acts as the glue, binding your mix so every bite holds together—no crumbling apart!
• Breadcrumbs: Essential for tenderness, breadcrumbs soak up flavor juices and create a soft texture.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nutty, salty richness that really boosts the savory profile.
• Finely chopped onion: Minced onion melts into the meatballs, bringing moisture and a delicate sweetness.
• Minced garlic: Just the right amount for a gentle garlicky kick without overpowering the mix.
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper: The one-two punch for perfectly seasoned meatballs every time.
• Chopped fresh Italian parsley (optional): For a burst of color and a fresh, herby note.
• Optional for serving—marinara sauce, cooked noodles, parmesan cheese, basil or parsley: Take your pick based on what sounds good to you.

Variations

This Easy Meatball Recipe is the ultimate blank canvas—feel empowered to swap ingredients or tweak flavors, depending on what you have in your kitchen or your own dietary preferences. It’s all about making these meatballs your own!

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Sub in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—just note they’ll be a bit leaner, so don’t skip the breadcrumbs and egg.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and these meatballs instantly fit a gluten-free diet.
• Herb Swaps: If you don’t have fresh parsley, use dried parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning—you’ll still get great herbaceous notes.
• Cheese Lovers: Try swapping parmesan for pecorino or adding a mozzarella cube right in the center for a melty surprise.

How to Make Easy Meatball Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—this high temp helps the meatballs get that irresistible browned exterior. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it generously with nonstick spray. This little bit of prep means cleanup will be a breeze later.

Step 2: Mix Your Meatball Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork, if using), beaten egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon—gently mix until just combined so the meatballs stay light, not dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out the meatball mixture, then roll gently into 1½-inch balls. Place them evenly on your prepared pan, ensuring a little space between each so they cook evenly and brown all the way around.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 17–20 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through so both sides get beautifully browned. You’ll know they’re ready when the centers are no longer pink and juices run clear—get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing!

Step 5 (Optional): Simmer in Sauce & Serve

If you love your meatballs extra saucy, transfer them to a pan of simmering marinara sauce for about 10 minutes. Then serve them with your favorite pasta, pile them into a crusty sub roll, or simply enjoy them with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. That’s it—the Easy Meatball Recipe magic is complete!

How to Serve Easy Meatball Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of grated parmesan or pecorino and a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top are all you need to elevate your Easy Meatball Recipe from homey to restaurant-quality—these final touches add fragrance, color, and a pop of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Side Dishes

Classic spaghetti is always a comforting choice, but these meatballs are equally fabulous piled into crusty rolls for meatball subs, served over creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted veggies for a lighter twist. You can even make a hearty salad to round things out—total comfort food, your way!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stick a toothpick in each meatball and serve them with a bowl of marinara for dipping—they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Or, for a cozy family dinner, arrange the meatballs and sauce in a skillet, sprinkle on cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden for a dramatic, family-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning a meal prep marathon, go ahead and double the Easy Meatball Recipe—these make next-day lunches or busy weeknight dinners a cinch.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container. They’ll stay perfect for up to 3 months, and you can pull out just what you need for last-minute dinners or snacks.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat meatballs gently on the stove top in sauce over medium-low heat, or microwave in short bursts (covered with a damp paper towel) until steaming hot—just as tender and flavorful as the day you made them.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, convenience, and big flavor, this Easy Meatball Recipe truly delivers. I hope you’ll give these a try—and once you taste just how simple and rewarding homemade meatballs can be, they’ll be making regular appearances at your table too. Happy cooking!

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