Imagine sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering meatball that's crispy on the outside, incredibly tender on the inside, and packed with flavor that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. These oven-baked meatballs are not just a meal – they're a culinary experience that will revolutionize your dinner routine and impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this foolproof recipe will become your new go-to for delicious, hassle-free comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a fork until well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Using clean hands, gently roll the meat mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 12-16 meatballs depending on size.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
- Optional: Serve with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as part of a sandwich. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) for juicier meatballs. The fat helps keep them moist and flavorful.
- Mixing Technique: When combining ingredients, mix gently and just until incorporated. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough and dense.
- Size Consistency: Use a cookie scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping them tender and succulent.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen, making them perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with marinara sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley, or serve over pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
