Homemade Meatballs

Whip up some satisfying comfort food using a classic recipe for Homemade Meatballs that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. These tender, flavorful meatballs are perfect for any meal, whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a sub, or on their own with a side of vegetables. Let’s get cooking!

I know you can buy frozen meatballs at the store, and they certainly help out in a pinch when you’re pressed for time. But there’s just something about this homemade meatball recipe that takes your meals to the next level!

• When you make meatballs at home, you have control over exactly what goes in them. You can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
• Adding ingredients like breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs keeps the meatballs moist and tender. Freshly-made meatballs also tend to be more delicate than store-bought versions, which can be dense and dry.
• There’s just something about the love put into homemade meals. And it can be therapeutic to roll up those meatballs yourself!

Recipe Variations

• If you can’t find the meatloaf mix for your meatballs, you can create your own mix by using 8 ounces each of ground beef, ground veal, and ground pork. Your ingredient amounts will change slightly, so make sure to follow the note at the bottom of the recipe card if you’re making your meatballs this way!
• You can also add finely grated or chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, or zucchini to add moisture and extra flavor. Plus it’s a great way to add more veggies to your family’s diet! Shhhh, they’ll never know.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

Ingredients for Homemade Meatballs

To make your own baked meatballs, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• Bread
• Milk
• Meatloaf mix (this is a combination of ground meat: beef, veal, and pork. See the note below if you can’t find this!)
• Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (Not grated in the bottle, though you can use in a pinch.)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried herbs – I used fresh parsley, basil, and oregano.
  You can use fresh if you’d like, and the general rule of thumb is to use 1/3 of the dried that you would fresh. So, for this recipe, you’ll just multiply the dried amounts we’re using times 3 to get the amount of fresh herbs you’ll need.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Large eggs
• Olive oil

Make sure to check out the recipe card below to find the exact amounts for each ingredient!

How to Make Homemade Meatballs in the Oven

This easy meatball recipe is quick and fun to put together! Here’s how:

Mix the Ingredients:

1. Place the bread in a small bowl and pour the milk over it. Allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
2. Next, combine the meatloaf mix, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg in a large bowl.
3. Now mash the bread mixture to form a paste and add it to the meat mixture. Combine well. I find it easiest to mix everything together with my hands.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for two hours. This step allows for the flavors to meld, but can be skipped if pressed for time.

Form the Meatballs

1. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each. Use your hands to roll the meatball mixture into round balls.

Cook the Meatballs:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown half the meatballs, a few minutes on each side. Repeat with the rest.
3. Transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet, large enough to hold all the meatballs. Place the cookie sheet in the oven to cook for 20-25 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Serve the cooked meatballs over pasta, in a sandwich roll to make Homemade Meatball Subs, or simply on their own with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Meatballs:

• Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can make your meatballs tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Use a mixture of meats: The reason why we use the meatloaf mix is because combining beef, veal, and pork gives the meatballs a richer flavor and better texture.
• Add moisture: Ingredients like milk and eggs help keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the meatballs in batches in a single layer to ensure they brown evenly without steaming.

FAQs

Can I use just one kind of meat?

Yes, you can use just one type of meat, but combining meats like beef and pork just gives more flavor, which I prefer. For leaner meatballs, you can use ground turkey.

Can I make homemade meatballs without bread as a binder?

Yes, you can use alternatives like oats, crushed crackers, or almond flour if you need a gluten-free option.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure you use enough binder (eggs, bread, etc.) and don’t overmix the meat. Chilling the meatballs before cooking can also help them hold together.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F. Alternatively, cut one open to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
When baked to the correct temperature, they will be so tender that as you bite into them they may not feel as if they’re done, but that’s the benefit of making them at home!

Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

 Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for later use. I suggest freezing them on a baking sheet to ensure that they will be individually frozen and not stick together when placed into a plastic bag or container.

How do I store leftover Baked Meatballs?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, or freeze meatballs in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheat cooked meatballs in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or simmer them in sauce until heated through.

Favorite Meatball Recipes

Use your homemade meatballs in some of these delicious recipes:

• ​Spaghetti and Meatball Braid
• Homemade Meatball Subs
• Spaghetti and Meatballs

Make different variations using these meatball recipes:

• ​Easy Cranberry Meatballs
• Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Swedish Meatballs