Hey y’all! Craving a crowd-pleasing dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and simple to whip up? These Easy Homemade Meatballs are your answer! From cozy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, they’re a surefire hit with grown-ups and kids alike. Packed with savory goodness and ready in under 40 minutes, they’re perfect for spaghetti, subs, or as a tasty appetizer. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Meatballs Recipe
- Quick and simple—ready in 35 minutes with minimal prep.
- Juicy, tender texture and loads of Italian flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for meal prep—freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Versatile for pasta, sandwiches, or as a savory snack.
- Family-friendly and customizable to your tastes!
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Meatballs
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying or baking sheet)
How to Make Easy Homemade Meatballs: Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep & Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork to keep them tender.
2. Form the Meatballs
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
3. Cook the Easy Homemade Meatballs
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet, add the meatballs, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
- Skillet Method: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, then simmer in your favorite marinara sauce for 10–15 minutes, until fully cooked.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm over spaghetti, in hoagie rolls, or with toothpicks as an appetizer!
Notes & Cooking Tips for Easy Homemade Meatballs
- For extra tenderness, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes before mixing (learn more).
- Don’t over-mix the meatball mixture—this keeps them light and juicy.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs every time.
Easy Homemade Meatball Variations
- Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for beef and pork for a lighter option.
- Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each meatball.
- Spicy Meatballs: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Equipment Needed for Easy Homemade Meatballs
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Parchment paper (if baking)
- Meat thermometer
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning)
Storage Instructions for Easy Homemade Meatballs
Cool meatballs completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, arrange in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or simmer in sauce until warmed through.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Easy Homemade Meatballs
- Serve over classic spaghetti with marinara sauce.
- Stuff into hoagie rolls with melted provolone for meatball subs.
- Offer as cocktail meatballs with toothpicks alongside a zesty dipping sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Homemade Meatballs
- Chill the meatball mixture for 15–20 minutes before shaping—it helps them hold together (see why).
- Always check doneness with a meat thermometer (look for 165°F/74°C in the center).
- Try homemade breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture (get the how-to).
Easy Homemade Meatballs FAQ
- Can I make Easy Homemade Meatballs ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and shape the meatballs up to a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
- Using the right ratio of breadcrumbs and eggs helps bind everything. Chilling the mixture before shaping also helps.
- What’s the best way to reheat Easy Homemade Meatballs?
- Reheat in a simmering sauce on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
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3Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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4Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
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5Serve the meatballs warm with marinara sauce, over pasta, or in a sub roll as desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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