Ground Beef Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Deliciously seasoned ground beef meatballs that are perfect for spaghetti, subs, or as a tasty appetizer.

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-24T16:33:34.286Z

These ground beef meatballs are a family favorite, packed with flavor and perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with a dipping sauce, they are sure to please!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Juicy and flavorful meatballs that everyone will love
  • Versatile enough to pair with any sauce or dish
  • Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

Perfectly Seasoned Meatballs

These ground beef meatballs are a blend of juicy beef and a medley of seasonings that elevate their flavor. The combination of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds a savory richness that complements the beef beautifully. Each meatball is a delightful bite, ensuring that every dish they accompany is enhanced. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a sub, or on their own, these meatballs are sure to impress.

One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet. The garlic and Italian seasoning infuse the meatballs with aromatic flavors, while the breadcrumbs help maintain their moisture. This balance of flavors and textures makes them a family favorite, suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

Ground beef meatballs are incredibly versatile, allowing you to pair them with a variety of sauces and sides. While classic marinara sauce is a top choice, you can experiment with barbecue sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt the dish to your family's tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

For a hearty meal, serve these meatballs over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The rich sauce and tender meatballs create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Alternatively, for a fun appetizer, serve them on toothpicks with a dipping sauce. They are perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Easy Meal Prep

Preparing these meatballs is not only easy but also a great way to meal prep for the week. You can make a large batch and freeze them for later use. Just shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out as many as you need and cook them directly from frozen, saving you time on busy weeknights.

Additionally, these meatballs can be used in various dishes beyond pasta. Try them in meatball subs, stir-fried with vegetables, or as a protein-packed topping for salads. With so many options, you'll never get bored of this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

For Serving (optional)

  • Marinara sauce
  • Spaghetti
  • Grated cheese

Feel free to customize your meatballs with different herbs and spices!

Instructions

Mix Ingredients

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

Form Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Meatballs

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

Serve

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti, or enjoy them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your homemade ground beef meatballs!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers after your meal, storing them is simple. Place the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop in a bit of sauce to bring back their juicy texture. This makes them an excellent choice for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

For longer storage, you can freeze cooked meatballs. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat from frozen, adding them to your favorite sauce for a quick meal.

Customizing Your Meatballs

Feel free to customize these meatballs to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or even a hint of smoked paprika for added depth.

If you're following a gluten-free diet, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, such as crushed gluten-free crackers or ground oats. This ensures that everyone can enjoy these delicious meatballs without compromising on flavor or texture.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with meatballs?

They pair well with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or served with a dipping sauce.

Ground Beef Meatballs

Deliciously seasoned ground beef meatballs that are perfect for spaghetti, subs, or as a tasty 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 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tsp salt
  8. 1/2 tsp black pepper
  9. 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

For Serving (optional)

  1. Marinara sauce
  2. Spaghetti
  3. Grated cheese

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti, or enjoy them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 25g