Easy Meatball Recipe

Meatballs are a staple for all our game day and holiday gatherings. They are always a crowd favorite and easy to make. Meatballs are hearty, delicious and can be made in a variety of ways.

If you love making Appetizer Recipes as much as I do, then you are going to love this recipe. Check out these other meatball recipes – Crockpot BBQ Meatballs, Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Turkey Meatball Recipe, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, and Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe.

Why Make These Meatballs

If you always thought homemade meatballs were too much trouble, make this easy Italian meatball recipe to see how simple it is.  The flavor can’t be beat and you can use the meatballs in lots of recipes.

All you need is a few simple ingredients for a moist and delicious meatballs. Simmer in marinara sauce and serve with pasta for a amazing meal idea.

Ingredients

• Minced Garlic – If you use fresh garlic, learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Italian Seasoning – Make Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe

Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the ingredients and full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Change the Meat – You can easily make these meatballs with other types of meat. Feel free to make ground chicken, ground turkey meatballs, Italian sausage or with ground pork. You can also combine meats for a change in flavor. Keep in mind that different meats have different types of fat and moisture so it could change the texture.
• Seasoning – Feel free to change the seasoning to fresh herbs or anything you prefer. You can substitute minced garlic with garlic powder or garlic cloves. Add in onion powder to the mixture for delicious flavor.
• Breadcrumbs – There are different flavors of breadcrumbs that can be used.

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1 – Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl add beef and bread crumbs to the bowl.

• Step 2 – Then add parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian Seasoning, and salt and black pepper in a large bowl.

• Step 3 – Mix with your hands until combined.

• Step 4 – Form ground beef mixture into 1 or 2 inch meatballs. You should get about 24 meatballs.

• Step 5 – Add the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to flip the meatballs halfway through. You many need to work in batches depending on how much you make.

• Step 6 – Serve and enjoy over spaghetti or as an appetizer.  

Recipe Tips

• Scooping Meatballs – To easily form the meatballs into balls, use cookie scoop. This helps to keep the cooked meatballs to be about the same size. It also helps to allow the meatballs to cook evenly.
• Line Baking Sheet – For best results, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes it for an easy cleanup.
• Instant-Read Thermometer – To ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Cooking times will vary as you want to cook meatballs until no longer pink.
• Cooking Meatballs – While cooking the meatballs, we recommend flipping the meatballs half way through the cooking time. You can even cook meatballs in a frying pan for a quick and easy option.
• Mixing the Ingredients – When combining the ingredients do not overmix as it could cause the meatballs hard.
• Large Eggs – If you problems with the meatballs binding, you may need to add in one large egg.

What to Serve with Meatballs

Meatballs can be served with many different things. These are some of our favorite side dishes to serve.

• Mashed Potatoes
• One Pot Spaghetti
• Easy Crock Pot Meatball Subs Recipe