Ground Beef Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Delicious and juicy ground beef meatballs that are perfect for pasta dishes or as a savory appetizer.

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-24T17:45:42.123Z

Ground beef meatballs are a classic dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. These meatballs are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy them in various ways.

Why You'll Love These Meatballs

  • Flavor-packed with Italian herbs and spices
  • Tender and juicy texture that is hard to resist
  • Perfect for family dinners or meal prep

The Perfect Meatball Experience

Ground beef meatballs are a classic dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Whether served over pasta, in a sub, or as a standalone appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them a favorite among kids and adults alike. Plus, they are incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve them in various ways to suit all occasions.

One of the best parts about making meatballs is the ability to customize them according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different herbs and spices, add cheese, or incorporate vegetables into the mix. This recipe provides a solid foundation, but feel free to get creative! The result will be delicious meatballs that cater to your family's unique flavor profiles.

Meal Prep Made Easy

These ground beef meatballs are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch on the weekend and have them ready to go for quick weeknight dinners. Simply bake them and store in the fridge or freezer. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them with some marinara sauce and serve over pasta or in a sandwich. This approach saves time and ensures you always have a hearty meal on hand.

By preparing meatballs in advance, you can also control portion sizes and make healthier choices. Pair them with whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a nutritious meal that’s easy to assemble. Plus, the flavors only get better as they sit, making them an excellent option for leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your ground beef meatballs, the possibilities are endless. For a classic Italian dinner, serve them atop a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil. If you're in the mood for something different, consider making meatball subs. Just slice a crusty baguette, pile on the meatballs, drizzle with sauce, and top with melted cheese for a hearty sandwich.

For a fun appetizer at your next gathering, thread the meatballs onto skewers and serve them with toothpicks. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or a spicy aioli. This way, your guests can enjoy them as finger food while mingling, making them a hit at parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Meatballs Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Gather all ingredients before you start for a smooth cooking experience.

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, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully combined.

Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake Meatballs

Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Serve

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or as a standalone appetizer.

Enjoy your homemade ground beef meatballs!

Nutritional Information

Ground beef meatballs are not only tasty but also provide a good source of protein. Each serving offers essential nutrients that help fuel your body, making them a great option for a balanced diet. By using lean ground beef, you can lower the fat content while still enjoying that rich, meaty flavor.

In addition to protein, the combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese adds carbohydrates and healthy fats to the dish. By incorporating fresh herbs like parsley and garlic, you also gain added vitamins and minerals, enhancing the overall nutritional profile of these meatballs.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To ensure your meatballs are tender and juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Combining them just until they are mixed will help maintain a soft texture. Also, using breadcrumbs soaked in milk can add moisture to the meatballs, making them even more succulent.

When shaping the meatballs, try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve consistent portions. Additionally, allowing them to rest for a few minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well, but the meatballs may be less rich.

→ How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.

→ Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for easy meal prep.

→ What sauce can I use with these meatballs?

Marinara sauce is classic, but you can also use BBQ sauce or gravy.

Ground Beef Meatballs

Delicious and juicy ground beef meatballs that are perfect for pasta dishes or as a savory appetizer.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Whitman

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ground Beef Meatballs Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 egg
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  10. 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

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, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Step 05

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or as a standalone appetizer.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 22g