Easy Meatball Recipe - Bake Perfect Meatballs Tonight

If you've been on the hunt for an easy meatball recipe that delivers every single time, your search ends here. Say goodbye to dry, tough meatballs and hello to perfectly juicy, tender, oven-baked delights in about 30 minutes. This isn't just another ground beef dinner recipe; it's a foundational technique designed for everyone, from kitchen novices to seasoned home cooks. You don't need fancy equipment or obscure ingredients – just simple pantry staples and a few smart tips to create delicious homemade meatballs. Whether you're whipping up classic spaghetti and meatballs, building hearty subs, or prepping appetizers for a party, this versatile recipe is your new go-to. If you’ve been searching for an easy meatball recipe you can memorize and trust every time, this is it.
Method: Oven-baked at 400°F (200°C)
Standard Size: ~1½-inch balls
Cook Time & Internal Temp: Baked until 160°F (71°C) in the center (always check with a meat thermometer for food safety).
1.Don't overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender.
2.Use 80/20 ground beef: The fat content is key for juicy results.
3.Trust your thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked, safe meatballs.

Ingredients

• For the Best Juicy Meatballs:
• 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground beef (important for juiciness!)
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or fine, see notes for swaps)
• ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%, or use broth/water)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup finely minced yellow onion (or 1 tsp onion powder)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great savoriness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. Make the Panade (Breadcrumb + Milk Mixture)In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir them together until everything is moist and the breadcrumbs start to soften. Let this mixture sit for 3-5 minutes. It should look like a mushy paste with no dry spots – this "panade" is what keeps your meatballs wonderfully tender.
2. Build the Meat MixtureTo your panade bowl, add the lightly beaten egg, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, minced onion, optional Parmesan cheese, and optional fresh parsley. Stir everything together well. Now, add the ground beef to the bowl. Here’s the trick: gently fold all the ingredients together with your hands or a fork until just combined. You don't want to aggressively knead it, or your meatballs will become tough. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry breadcrumbs. The mixture should be slightly sticky but still easy to scoop; if it looks crumbly, add 1-2 teaspoons more milk.
3. Shape the MeatballsLine a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out about 1½-inch balls of the meat mixture. Lightly roll them between moist hands to smooth them out – don't pack them too tightly! Place the shaped meatballs on your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they can brown nicely.
4. BakePreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet with your meatballs into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 17-20 minutes. About halfway through, give the pan a quick rotation to ensure even cooking and browning. Your meatballs are done when they are evenly browned on the outside and the juices run clear. Most importantly, check the internal temperature of a meatball in the center of the pan with a meat thermometer – it should read 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
5. Sauce & ServeOnce baked, your meatballs are ready for action!
   1. Option A (Classic): Gently toss the hot meatballs into your favorite warm marinara sauce and let them simmer for 5-10 minutes. This helps them absorb even more flavor and stay extra juicy.
   2. Option B (Appetizers): Brush them with BBQ sauce or serve with a dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
   Remember, you're still using the same delicious meatball base for all these serving options!