Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe

Name: Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as a tasty appetizer for gatherings. Juicy and flavorful, these meatballs are sure to please everyone!

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2025-12-30T01:34:16.574Z

This recipe for Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs is a family favorite! Not only are they simple to make, but they are also packed with flavor and can be served in various ways, from spaghetti to meatball subs.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Juicy and tender meatballs with a perfect blend of spices
Versatile dish that can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights

      

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party, preparing a cozy family meal, or looking for a delicious appetizer for game day, these meatballs fit the bill. Their delightful flavor and appealing presentation ensure that they will be a hit with your guests.

You can easily customize these meatballs to suit your taste preferences. Add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, for extra flavor and nutrition. Alternatively, experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!

A Quick and Easy Recipe

One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of mouthwatering meatballs in no time. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want to put a wholesome meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

The oven-baking method not only saves time but also allows for even cooking and a beautifully browned exterior. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, making it easy to have a quick meal ready whenever you need it.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Serve them over a bed of pasta, drenched in marinara sauce, for a classic Italian dish that everyone will love. Alternatively, place them in a sub roll with melted cheese for a hearty meatball sandwich.

For a lighter option, enjoy the meatballs with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be served as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks for easy snacking. No matter how you choose to serve them, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress!

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

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

Mix all the ingredients well to ensure even flavor distribution.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

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

Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serve

Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and serve with pasta, in a sub, or on their own!

Enjoy your delicious oven-baked meatballs!

Tips for Success

To ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly every time, use lean ground beef with some fat content for tenderness. Adding breadcrumbs helps to keep the meatballs moist and gives them a delightful texture. Don't overmix the ingredients; just combine them until they're evenly distributed to avoid tough meatballs.

If you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider marinating the meat mixture for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This allows the spices and herbs to meld together, resulting in even tastier meatballs.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They also freeze well, so you can make a double batch and save some for later. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven or microwave. If you're reheating from frozen, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This way, you can enjoy delicious meatballs anytime!

Nutritional Information

These meatballs are not only tasty but also packed with protein, making them a satisfying choice for any meal. Ground beef is a great source of iron and essential nutrients, while the addition of herbs and spices adds flavor without extra calories. The combination of meat, breadcrumbs, and cheese provides a balanced dish that can keep you full and energized.

If you're watching your calorie intake, consider using leaner cuts of meat or incorporating more vegetables into the mixture. You can also serve the meatballs with a side of whole grain pasta or brown rice for added fiber and nutrition. Enjoy these meatballs guilt-free!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when ready to use.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs are great with spaghetti, on a sub, or served with a side salad.