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homemade meatballs recipe

Homemade Meatballs Recipe

Tender homemade beef meatballs made with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and simple seasonings. Bake them in the oven, serve with marinara, or freeze a batch for later.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk or water if needed
  • Cooking spray or a little olive oil for the baking sheet

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Small bowl
  • Spoon or fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
  2. Combine the ingredients: Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl.
  3. Add moisture if needed: If the mixture feels unusually dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk or water. Add another tablespoon only if necessary.
  4. Mix gently: Use your hands or a fork to combine everything just until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the meatballs: Divide the mixture into about 24 portions. Gently roll each portion into a ball about 1½ inches wide.
  6. Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, depending on their size.
  8. Check the temperature: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the largest meatball. Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest briefly: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce and Parmesan, or use the meatballs for spaghetti, meatball subs, rice bowls, or appetizers.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the beef because this can make the meatballs dense.
  • Keep the meatballs similar in size so they cook evenly.
  • If you want more browning, briefly broil them after baking while watching them closely.
  • For softer meatballs, lightly moisten the breadcrumbs with milk before mixing.
  • Meatballs can be cooled and frozen in a freezer-safe container for later use.
  • If using a different type of ground meat, cooking time may vary.