Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Baked, not fried: This recipe reduces the mess and excess oil, while still delivering all the flavor you love in meatballs.
• Super moist and tender: Thanks to a perfect balance of milk and breadcrumbs, these meatballs stay juicy and tender.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and freeze the extras to enjoy at a later time.
• Incredibly versatile: Serve them with spaghetti, in sliders, on a sub, or as a standalone appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Mix: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
3. Roll: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. You should get about 20–24 meatballs.
4. Bake: Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. Sauce it up: While the meatballs bake, heat your marinara sauce in a large skillet. Once the meatballs are baked, add them to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5–10 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Extra cheesy: Tuck a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before baking for a cheesy surprise.
• Blend of meats: Try mixing beef and pork for even richer flavor.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for some extra heat.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container, with or without sauce.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of marinara sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of beef. Just note that leaner meats like turkey may require a bit more moisture (such as adding more milk) to keep the meatballs tender.

How do I make sure my meatballs are juicy?

The key to juicy meatballs is not overmixing the meat mixture. Adding a bit of milk and breadcrumbs will help retain moisture during baking.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them later.

Can I bake the meatballs without using parchment paper or foil?

You can bake the meatballs directly on the baking sheet, but parchment paper or foil helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly for this recipe. However, homemade marinara sauce will elevate the flavor even more.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinara sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat frozen meatballs?

To reheat frozen meatballs, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then simmer them in marinara sauce for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but reheating on the stovetop will keep them juicier.

Can I make these meatballs in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

What else can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs go great with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or even in a sandwich. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra marinara sauce on the side.

Conclusion

Juicy baked meatballs in marinara sauce are the perfect comfort food, offering a flavorful, tender meal without the hassle of frying. With their simple preparation, versatility, and juicy texture, they’re a surefire hit for any meal, whether served with pasta, in sandwiches, or enjoyed as an appetizer. Try these meatballs today, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish the whole family will love.

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