Ground Beef Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

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

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-24T14:48:37.138Z

These ground beef meatballs are a family favorite, bursting with flavor and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Why You'll Love These Meatballs

  • Juicy and tender with every bite
  • Versatile for various dishes
  • Packed with savory flavors

Perfectly Seasoned

Ground beef meatballs are a timeless classic that can elevate any meal. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices creates a flavor profile that is robust and satisfying. Each meatball is seasoned to perfection, ensuring that every bite bursts with savory goodness. Whether you enjoy them on their own or as part of a hearty dish, these meatballs will leave you wanting more.

The secret to making these meatballs irresistibly tasty lies in the balance of seasonings. Fresh herbs like parsley not only add color but also infuse the meat with a fresh flavor that complements the beef beautifully. Plus, the addition of Parmesan cheese provides a rich, nutty undertone that enhances the overall taste. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet.

Versatility at Its Best

One of the best things about these ground beef meatballs is their versatility. They can be served in various ways, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re tossing them in a marinara sauce and serving them over spaghetti or sandwiching them in a sub, they adapt easily to different cuisines and styles. This makes them perfect for casual family dinners, game day snacks, or even elegant appetizers at a gathering.

You can also customize the meatballs according to your taste preferences. Consider adding different herbs, spices, or even cheese varieties to create a unique flavor twist. You might try adding crushed red pepper for a touch of heat or incorporating chopped olives for a Mediterranean flair. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make these meatballs your own.

Meal Prep-Friendly

These meatballs are not just delicious; they're also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch ahead of time, freeze them, and have them on hand for quick meals throughout the week. Simply bake the meatballs, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat them in the oven or add them directly to your sauce for a quick dinner solution.

Using ground beef meatballs in meal prep helps you save time and effort on busy days. Pair them with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to keep your meals interesting. This way, you can enjoy a homemade, wholesome meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch every day.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your meatballs:

Preheat 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 until just 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 the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Serve

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or in a sub sandwich.

Enjoy your delicious ground beef meatballs!

Storage Tips

To keep your meatballs fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for longer, consider freezing them. When freezing, ensure they are placed in a freezer-safe bag or container, and try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to reheat, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or cook them directly from frozen. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they're heated through. This makes it easy to enjoy your delicious meatballs anytime you crave them!

Pairing Suggestions

These meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces. For a traditional Italian meal, serve them over spaghetti with a generous ladle of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Alternatively, they can be enjoyed in a sub sandwich with melted cheese, drizzled with a spicy marinara for an extra kick. The options are endless, allowing you to get creative with your meals.

If you're looking for a lighter option, consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad or with roasted vegetables. This not only balances out the meal but also adds a nutritious component. Feel free to experiment with different sauces, such as BBQ or teriyaki, to give these meatballs a unique twist!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute 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 meatballs?

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

→ What sauce can I use with meatballs?

Marinara, barbecue, or even a creamy sauce work wonderfully!

Ground Beef Meatballs

Deliciously seasoned ground beef meatballs that are perfect for pasta, 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: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

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. 1 clove garlic, minced
  6. 1 egg
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  9. 1 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 until just 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 the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Step 05

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or in a sub sandwich.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 22g