Homemade Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These homemade meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Made with a blend of ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, and parmesan, they’re perfect for a comforting dinner or party appetizer.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup white onion, diced
- 28 grams dry ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: Line one large or two small baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together all the ingredients until well combined.
- Step 4: Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into tightly packed balls.
- Step 5: Place the meatballs about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 6: Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and carefully turn each meatball over. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Line a separate baking sheet with paper towels. Transfer the meatballs to it to absorb any excess grease.
- Step 8: Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a softer texture, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes before mixing.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh parsley or basil to the mixture.
- Try substituting ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for a richer taste.
- Serve meatballs with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for these meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Combining meats can also add more flavor and moistness.
How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?
Using a mixture of breadcrumbs and milk helps keep the meatballs tender. Avoid overbaking and turn them halfway through cooking for even moisture retention.
PrintHomemade Meatballs Recipe
These homemade meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish using lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasonings. Baked to perfection in the oven, they come out juicy and tender with a crispy outside, ideal for serving as an appetizer or part of a main meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup white onion, diced
- 28 grams dry ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line one large or two small baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, shredded parmesan cheese, diced white onion, and dry ranch seasoning mix. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture and shape each into a tight ball with your hands to maintain uniform size and shape.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on the parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about one inch apart to allow for even cooking.
- First Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to start cooking through.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Remove the tray from the oven and carefully turn each meatball over. Return the tray back to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes until fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Drain Excess Grease: Line a separate baking sheet or plate with paper towels and transfer the meatballs to absorb any excess grease.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and serve hot as a tasty appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Ensure the meatballs are packed tightly to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Cooking times may vary based on oven; check meatballs for an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure doneness.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the mixture for extra flavor.
Keywords: homemade meatballs, baked meatballs, ground beef meatballs, easy meatball recipe, oven-baked meatballs

