Best Oven Baked Meatballs: Juicy, Flavorful, and Foolproof

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When it comes to comfort food classics, few recipes are as universally loved as homemade meatballs. This recipe for the Best Oven Baked Meatballs delivers everything you want: tender interiors, perfectly browned exteriors, and rich, savory flavor in every bite — all without frying.

Baking meatballs in the oven is not only easier and cleaner, but it also ensures even cooking and consistent results. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, stuffing them into sandwiches, or simmering them in sauce, these meatballs are reliable, versatile, and absolutely delicious.

Why Oven Baked Meatballs Are Better

While pan-frying meatballs has its place, oven baking offers major advantages:

  • Hands-off cooking
  • Even browning
  • Less grease
  • Perfect for large batches
  • Juicier interior

This method lets the meatballs cook gently while still developing a beautiful golden crust.

What Makes These the Best Meatballs

The secret lies in balance and technique. These meatballs are made with:

  • Milk-soaked breadcrumbs for moisture
  • Egg for structure
  • Parmesan cheese for umami
  • Fresh garlic and onion for depth
  • Gentle mixing to keep them tender

No dry, dense meatballs here.

Ingredients for Best Oven Baked Meatballs

  • Ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic, minced
  • Onion, finely minced or grated
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil

Optional additions: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes.

How to Make the Best Oven Baked Meatballs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven
    Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Make the panade
    In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add remaining ingredients
    Add egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  4. Add the meat
    Add ground beef and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the meatballs
    Roll into 1½-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
  6. Bake
    Lightly brush or spray meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  7. Serve or simmer
    Serve immediately or transfer to sauce to simmer.

Best Oven Baked Meatballs

Juicy, tender oven baked meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs for a classic homemade favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup onion finely minced or grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl; let soak 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper; mix gently.
  4. Add ground beef and mix just until combined.
  5. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet.
  6. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake 18–22 minutes until cooked through.

Notes

For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if desired.

Pro Tips for Juicy Meatballs

  • Use 80/20 beef for moisture
  • Grate onion instead of chopping for juicier texture
  • Don’t pack tightly when rolling
  • Use a scoop for even size
  • Rest briefly after baking

Delicious Variations

Italian-Style Meatballs
Add Italian seasoning and extra Parmesan.

Beef & Pork Blend
Use half ground beef, half ground pork.

Turkey Meatballs
Sub ground turkey and add extra milk for moisture.

Spicy Meatballs
Add crushed red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

These oven baked meatballs are incredibly versatile:

  • Spaghetti and meatballs
  • Meatball subs
  • Appetizer platter with sauce
  • Over rice or mashed potatoes
  • Meal prep protein

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
  • Freeze (cooked): Up to 3 months
  • Freeze (uncooked): Roll and freeze, then bake from frozen

Why This Recipe Never Fails

This recipe works because it respects the fundamentals: moisture, gentle handling, and proper heat. It’s tested, reliable, and adaptable — exactly what you want from a go-to meatball recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dependable, no-fail meatball recipe, this Best Oven Baked Meatballs recipe is it. Juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, it belongs in every home cook’s rotation.

Make it once, and you’ll never need another meatball recipe again.

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