Ground Beef Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Delicious and juicy ground beef meatballs that are perfect for pasta, subs, or as an appetizer.

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-24T15:33:34.736Z

These ground beef meatballs are a family favorite, combining savory flavors and a tender texture that everyone loves. Serve them with spaghetti, in a sub, or as a hearty appetizer.

Why You'll Love These Meatballs

  • Juicy and flavorful, perfect for any meal
  • Versatile for pasta, subs, or appetizers
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

The Perfect Base for Any Meal

Ground beef meatballs serve as an excellent base for a variety of dishes. Their juicy texture and rich flavor make them a fantastic addition to pasta dishes, where they can soak up the sauce beautifully. Whether you’re tossing them in marinara or serving them with a creamy Alfredo, these meatballs elevate your meal to the next level.

In addition to pasta, these meatballs can be served in subs for a hearty lunch or dinner option. Place them in a toasted hoagie roll, add some melted cheese, and you have a satisfying sandwich that’s sure to please. With their versatility, these meatballs can easily adapt to whatever you have on hand.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the best aspects of these ground beef meatballs is that they are made with simple, accessible ingredients. You don’t need to hunt down exotic spices or complicated components; the classic combination of beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese delivers a mouthwatering result. The addition of fresh parsley and garlic enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.

This simplicity in ingredients not only makes preparation easier but also ensures that you can whip them up on a busy weeknight without stress. Plus, they are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness throughout the week.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To ensure that your meatballs turn out perfectly every time, consider a few handy cooking tips. First, don’t overmix the meat mixture; this can lead to dense meatballs. Just mix until the ingredients are combined for a light and tender texture. Additionally, using a cookie scoop can help you form evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they cook uniformly.

Another great tip is to bake the meatballs instead of frying them. This method reduces added fat and makes cleanup a breeze. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, consider broiling them for the last few minutes of baking to achieve a nice golden-brown crust.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly before shaping the meatballs.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Shape Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.

Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover meatballs, storing them is easy and keeps them fresh for future meals. Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

For meal prep enthusiasts, these meatballs make for a great option to cook in batches. You can freeze them in portions, making it simple to grab a few for a quick meal. Just remember to label the container with the date, so you know when they were made.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these ground beef meatballs, the possibilities are endless. Pair them with spaghetti and marinara for a classic Italian dinner or serve them with a side of garlic bread for a comforting meal. You could also create a meatball platter with dipping sauces for a fun appetizer at parties.

For a healthier twist, serve the meatballs over a bed of zucchini noodles or alongside a fresh salad. This not only adds a nutritious element to your meal but also keeps it light and satisfying. Whether you’re making a hearty dinner or a quick snack, these meatballs are sure to impress.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and will provide a lighter option.

→ How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for easy meal prep.

→ What sauce goes well with meatballs?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but barbecue sauce or a creamy sauce also works well.

Ground Beef Meatballs

Delicious and juicy ground beef meatballs that are perfect for pasta, subs, or as an appetizer.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Whitman

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 1 clove garlic, minced
  6. 1 egg
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 25g