The Best Homemade Baked Meatballs Recipe – Juicy & Flavorful

Succulent and tender, these baked meatballs capture the essence of homemade comfort with the best baked meatballs recipe that will make your taste buds dance.

Crafted with a perfect blend of ground meats and carefully selected seasonings, each morsel promises rich, deep flavors.

The secret lies in the balanced mix of ingredients and a foolproof baking technique that ensures juicy, well-formed meatballs every single time.

No more greasy frying or messy stovetop cooking – this method delivers consistently delicious results.

Herbs and spices mingle effortlessly, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.

Serve these delectable meatballs over pasta, stuff them in a sub, or enjoy them as a standalone appetizer that will impress everyone at the table.

Best Baked Ziti Must-Haves

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides the primary structure and flavor for the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps create a tender, juicy texture to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and adds a light, airy texture.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs compact and moist.
• Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and contributes to the overall tenderness of the meatballs.

• Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Grated Onion: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the meatballs.
• Parsley, Oregano: Add fresh herbal notes and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the meat's natural flavors.

Steps to the Best Baked Ziti

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Grated onion
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Milk

Gently mix everything until the ingredients just come together.

Don’t overwork the mixture or your meatballs might turn tough.

Step 3: Shape Those Tasty Spheres

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into perfect little balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each meatball.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let the meatballs cook for 18-20 minutes.

They’re ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your delicious meatballs and serve them however you like.

Fantastic with marinara sauce, tossed in pasta, or as a standalone protein.

Bon appétit!

Tips for Gooey Baked Ziti

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs. Stir ingredients just until combined for tender, light texture.
• Add milk to the mixture to keep meatballs juicy and prevent drying out during baking. This trick ensures a succulent, flavorful result.
• Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to create uniform meatballs that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to help them retain juices and maintain their shape when serving.
• Prepare extra meatballs and freeze uncooked for quick future meals. Place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy storage.

Baked Ziti Twists for the Win

• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
• Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground beef and pork with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative.
• Vegetarian Meatballs
• Mediterranean-Style Meatballs: Add feta cheese, mint, and za'atar spice blend for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Plating the Best Baked Ziti

• Pasta Paradise: Toss these juicy meatballs over spaghetti or linguine, topped with extra marinara sauce and fresh basil for a classic Italian-style meal.
• Sandwich Sensation: Slice meatballs in half and place inside a crusty hoagie roll with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara for a hearty sub sandwich.
• Appetizer Delight: Serve meatballs on toothpicks with a side of tangy marinara dipping sauce at parties or game nights for a crowd-pleasing finger food.
• Salad Star: Slice meatballs and scatter over a crisp green salad with crumbled feta cheese for a protein-packed lunch option.

Storing Baked Ziti Leftovers

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them moist by placing a damp paper towel on top.
• Transfer completely cooled meatballs to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring midway to ensure even heating.
• Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of marinara sauce to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my meatballs from becoming dry?

Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for moisture. Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and avoid overcooking. Adding milk and egg helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. Just ensure the fat content is similar to maintain moisture and flavor.

• Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and provide a lighter texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.

Best Baked Ziti – Crowd Favorite Details

• Quicken Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering meatballs with minimal prep work and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Enjoy these protein-packed meatballs as a standalone dish, with pasta, in sandwiches, or atop salads for endless meal possibilities.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the savory blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned perfectly with herbs and cheese for a guaranteed clean plate.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Baking eliminates messy stovetop frying, making cleanup a breeze while ensuring evenly cooked, golden-brown meatballs every single time.

The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-style Baked Meatballs bring comfort and rich flavor to your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned and tender, these meatballs promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork

Dairy and Binding:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease to ensure easy meatball release.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Blend ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
3. Using hands or a scoop, form uniform meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, carefully arranging them with consistent spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, rotating the sheet midway to ensure even browning and guarantee the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
5. Once golden and fully cooked, remove meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing overall flavor and moisture.
6. Serve immediately alongside marinara sauce, atop pasta, or as part of your preferred culinary presentation, enjoying the rich, savory result of your careful preparation.

Notes

• Use a meat mixture with both beef and pork for richer flavor and juicier texture that keeps meatballs tender and moist.
• Avoid overmixing the meat blend to prevent dense, tough meatballs; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
• Include breadcrumbs and milk to help bind the mixture and create a softer, more delicate meatball that won’t crumble during cooking.
• Consider using a small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop for uniformly sized meatballs that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg