Ground Beef Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Delicious and tender ground beef meatballs, perfect for pasta or on their own.

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-24T18:03:39.680Z

Ground beef meatballs are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. They are easy to make and can be paired with various sauces and sides, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy and flavorful meatballs that are easy to prepare
  • Perfectly seasoned for a rich taste
  • Great for family dinners or meal prep

The Perfect Meatball

Ground beef meatballs are a classic dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Their juicy texture and rich flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create meatballs that are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own with a side of marinara sauce. The possibilities are endless!

One of the best things about these meatballs is how easy they are to prepare. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master the art of meatball making. Plus, they can be made in bulk, making them ideal for meal prep or family gatherings. Just imagine a platter of golden-brown meatballs ready to be devoured by your loved ones!

Flavorful Ingredients

The key to a great meatball lies in the quality of the ingredients used. Ground beef provides a rich base, while breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs tender. Adding grated Parmesan cheese brings an extra depth of flavor, elevating the dish to new heights. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the meatballs with a refreshing taste, making each bite delightful.

Seasoning is equally important. A combination of garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning ensures that every meatball is packed with flavor. If you love a bit of heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes to the sauce. This simple addition can transform the dish into a spicy sensation that will tantalize your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

These ground beef meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. For a classic Italian twist, serve them over a bed of spaghetti and drizzle with marinara sauce. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Alternatively, for a fun twist, place the meatballs in a sub roll, top with melted cheese, and enjoy a hearty meatball sandwich.

For those looking to lighten up the meal, consider serving the meatballs alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. This not only balances the richness of the meatballs but also adds a healthy element to your dinner. Whether you choose to go traditional or get creative, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!

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 the Sauce (optional)

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix all the ingredients well before forming 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, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully combined.

Form Meatballs

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

Bake Meatballs

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

Prepare Sauce (Optional)

If using sauce, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.

Serve

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or on their own.

Enjoy your homemade ground beef meatballs!

Storage Tips

Proper storage is crucial for keeping your meatballs fresh and delicious. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy your meatballs at a later date without sacrificing quality.

When reheating, gently warm the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. This ensures that your meatballs remain juicy and flavorful, just as they were on the first day.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize these meatballs to suit your taste preferences. For a different flavor profile, try incorporating ground pork or turkey in place of the beef. You can also experiment with various herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or even a touch of cumin for a unique twist. Mixing in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions can add extra nutrition and flavor.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or quinoa instead of regular breadcrumbs. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a delightful texture to the meatballs, making them even more enjoyable.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a healthier alternative and works well in this recipe.

→ How can I store leftover meatballs?

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

→ Can I freeze meatballs?

Yes, uncooked or cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What sauce goes well with meatballs?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also use barbecue sauce or a creamy sauce.

Ground Beef Meatballs

Delicious and tender ground beef meatballs, perfect for pasta or on their own.

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 the Sauce (optional)

  1. 2 cups marinara sauce
  2. 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

If using sauce, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.

Step 06

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or on their own.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 25g