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A white skillet of Baked Italian Meatballs simmering in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.
Reda

Perfect Baked Italian Meatballs

Tender, juicy, and packed with classic Italian flavors, these easy baked meatballs are perfect for spaghetti, subs, or appetizers. Baking instead of frying makes them healthier and cleanup a breeze!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 548

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (85/15 lean)
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk or buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup Yellow Onion finely grated
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 large Eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a little heat

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and the whole milk. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The breadcrumbs will absorb the milk, creating a 'panade' which is the secret to incredibly moist meatballs.
  3. To the bowl with the panade, add the ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten eggs, kosher salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  4. Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
  5. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) for uniform size, roll the mixture into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield approximately 24-28 meatballs.
  6. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren't touching to allow for even browning.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The meatballs should be beautifully browned and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the center of a meatball.
  8. For an extra-crispy, browned exterior, you can switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch them very closely to prevent them from burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite marinara sauce over spaghetti, in a sub, or on their own as a delicious appetizer.

Notes

For the juiciest meatballs, use a combination of 85/15 ground beef and ground pork. The higher fat content adds flavor and moisture. Grating the onion (instead of dicing) helps it dissolve into the meat, ensuring a smooth texture. **Storage:** Cooled meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. **Freezing:** Arrange cooked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and flash-freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in your favorite sauce.