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Best Ground Beef Meatballs Dish

Category: Simple One-Pot Wonders

These ground beef meatballs are packed with savory flavor, blending seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and aromatics for a tender, juicy result. Baked at high heat, they stay moist inside with a golden finish. Suitable for pasta, sandwiches, or as bite-sized appetizers, these meatballs can be made ahead and reheated, making them convenient for busy cooks. Simple steps and common ingredients ensure they're on the table in under half an hour, appealing to kids and adults alike. Serve with your favorite sauce for a comforting meal everyone will love.

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Updated on Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:53:15 GMT
A plate of meatballs with a sauce on top. Pin
A plate of meatballs with a sauce on top. | quickdinnerfix.com

Juicy homemade ground beef meatballs have saved many weeknight dinners for me when I want something satisfying with minimal effort. These meatballs are full of classic flavor and come out tender every time. Whether you want a cozy pasta dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe has become my trusted go-to.

My family fell in love with these the first time I perfected them and now they disappear so fast every time I make them for a Sunday pasta night.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Choose 85 percent lean meat for the right balance of juiciness and flavor. The fat keeps the meatballs tender
  • Breadcrumbs: Use fine dry breadcrumbs. They help soak up flavor and give the perfect bite
  • Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together. A fresh farm egg makes a difference
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends salty nutty richness. Freshly grated is ideal for bold flavor
  • Onion: Opt for a small onion and dice it finely. Sweet yellow onions melt seamlessly into the mix
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a punch. Mince very finely for even flavor
  • Italian seasoning: This blend brings herbaceous complexity. A quality dried mix works perfectly
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste. Look for kosher salt for more subtle seasoning
  • Black pepper: A little goes a long way for warmth and kick. Use freshly cracked for best aroma
  • Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami depth and rounds out the richness. Find a bottle with no artificial additives
  • Milk (optional): For even more tender meatballs. Whole milk is best for a creamy texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Ingredients:
Combine the ground beef breadcrumbs egg Parmesan onion garlic Italian seasoning salt pepper Worcestershire sauce and milk in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently blend everything until barely combined to avoid tough meatballs
Shape Meatballs:
Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture for each meatball and roll them gently between your palms. Form balls of equal size for even cooking. Place them spaced apart on a parchment lined baking sheet
Bake to Perfection:
Place the tray in a preheated oven set to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meatballs bake for eighteen to twenty minutes until they are golden and the center reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit for safety
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the hot meatballs to your favorite sauce or serve with your chosen side dish. These are wonderful with spaghetti marinara in a hoagie roll or with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan
A plate of meatballs with cheese and tomato sauce. Pin
A plate of meatballs with cheese and tomato sauce. | quickdinnerfix.com

The Parmesan cheese is my secret hero here as it adds both saltiness and that hint of depth that always makes my husband ask for seconds I always remember my youngest making a game of sneaking them off the tray when they first come out of the oven

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage let meatballs cool completely then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag They reheat beautifully in sauce or the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out ground beef for a mix of beef and pork for even more flavor or try ground turkey for a lighter option Gluten free breadcrumbs work well and lactose free milk is fine if you skip dairy

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs shine over classic spaghetti tossed with your favorite red sauce They also make fantastic meatball subs with melty mozzarella or try them as appetizer bites with toothpicks at your next gathering

A tray of meatballs with cheese and sauce. Pin
A tray of meatballs with cheese and sauce. | quickdinnerfix.com

Cultural Context

Italian American homes have been passing down classic meatball recipes for generations making them a comfort food staple in many households Their popularity stretches from grandma s kitchen to weeknight family tables everywhere

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep ground beef meatballs tender?

Mix in breadcrumbs and a little milk, and avoid overworking the meat. This combination keeps them light and uncompressed.

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and shape them earlier in the day, then bake when ready to serve. They also freeze well after baking.

→ What's the ideal internal temperature for doneness?

Fully cooked meatballs should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they're safe and perfectly moist inside.

→ Can I swap out ground beef for another protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well, though you may need to adjust seasoning for best flavor balance.

→ Which sauce pairs best with these meatballs?

Classic marinara is a favorite, but you can also try creamy sauces, barbecue glaze, or serve them plain as appetizers.

The Best Ground Beef Meatballs

Juicy ground beef meatballs, perfect for pasta or subs. Quick prep and rich flavor make them a family favorite.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min

Category: One-Pot Meals

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (approximately 16 meatballs)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatball Mixture

01 450 g ground beef (85% lean)
02 60 g dried breadcrumbs
03 1 large egg
04 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
05 1/2 small onion, finely diced
06 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for added tenderness)

Steps

Step 01

Set the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it reaches temperature while you prepare the meatball mixture.

Step 02

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Step 03

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and milk (if using) in a large mixing bowl.

Step 04

Gently mix with hands, a wooden spoon, or spatula until ingredients are just incorporated. Avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.

Step 05

Portion the mixture into tablespoon-sized amounts and roll into balls, arranging them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 06

Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until meatballs are browned and have an internal temperature of 75°C.

Step 07

Remove meatballs from the oven and serve hot with preferred sauce or accompaniments.

Notes

  1. For softer meatballs, incorporate the milk and avoid compacting the mixture when shaping.
  2. Meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Required Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Double-check each ingredient to identify potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan cheese and optional milk), and wheat (breadcrumbs).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 270
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbs: 9 g
  • Protein: 19 g