Ground Beef Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Juicy and flavorful ground beef meatballs that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-24T15:54:39.420Z

These ground beef meatballs are not just a meal; they're a delightful experience! Whether served with spaghetti, in a sub, or on their own with a dipping sauce, they promise to be a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Tender and juicy meatballs bursting with flavor
  • Versatile for various dishes and sauces
  • Simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand

The Perfect Meatball for Every Occasion

Ground beef meatballs are a classic dish that fits seamlessly into a variety of meals. Whether you're serving them with spaghetti and marinara sauce, placing them on a sub roll with melted cheese, or adding them to a hearty soup, these meatballs can elevate your dining experience. Their versatility makes them suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by all ages.

What sets these meatballs apart is their juicy texture and rich flavor. Using simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet and satisfying. The incorporation of fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese not only enhances their taste but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while they bake. This dish is sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To achieve the ideal meatball consistency, it's crucial not to overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. This technique will help you achieve that tender and juicy texture everyone loves.

Another tip is to ensure that your meatballs are uniform in size, which promotes even cooking. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the meatballs to approximately one inch in diameter. This size is not only perfect for cooking but also ideal for serving, making them easy to enjoy with a fork or on a skewer.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Combine all ingredients in a bowl for a delicious mix!

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, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Bake

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious meatballs with your choice of sauce or pasta!

Serving Suggestions

These ground beef meatballs can be paired with a variety of sauces and sides, making them incredibly flexible. For a classic Italian dinner, serve them atop spaghetti with a rich marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Alternatively, for a fun twist, try them in a meatball sub, topped with melted mozzarella and a drizzle of marinara.

For a lighter option, you can serve them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Consider adding them to a homemade soup like minestrone for a hearty and comforting meal. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative based on your family’s preferences.

Storing and Freezing Meatballs

If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in luck! These meatballs can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing your meatballs. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months, making them a convenient meal prep option for busy weeknights.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

→ What sauce goes well with meatballs?

Marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or a creamy gravy are all great options.

Ground Beef Meatballs

Juicy and flavorful ground beef meatballs that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

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

Ground Beef Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  10. 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 04

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 05

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 30g