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Say goodbye to dried-out, lackluster meatballs for good with this Baked Meatball Recipe! Packed with flavor and made using a unique (and simple) baking technique, these meatballs turn out juicy and tender every single time.
When people ask me for one recipe I think everyone should try off my site, I always point them to these Italian meatballs. Serve them over pasta with crockpot spaghetti sauce, tuck them into Italian meatballs subs, add them to Italian Wedding Soup, or steal one straight from the sheet pan, the flavor will never let you down.
Key Takeaways: Italian Baked Meatballs
- Yield: 36 meatballs; easy to freeze or double for meal prep
- Time Needed: 45 minutes; 20 minute prep + 25 minute bake
- Easy to Modify for gluten-free, egg-free, or lower-sodium diets
- Why this Recipe is the Best: Baking the meatballs in broth keeps them exceptionally juicy and tender while the high oven temperature creates the same deeply browned, slightly crispy exterior you expect from pan-fried meatballs without the mess or babysitting. Combined with the fact they are heavily seasoned with parmesan and Italian seasoning, the flavor on these meatballs is unbeatable.
Recipe Highlights
Kristen's Keys
The process of baking meatballs is simple, but I have a few non-negotiables that make this recipe stand out from all others!
- Don't overmix. Mix the binders FIRST then gently fold the meat into the binders until it just comes together. Overworking the meat equals tough meatballs.
- Broth is key. Pouring broth around the meatballs prior to baking may sound crazy. But trust me on this. A shallow layer of broth gently steams the meatballs as they bake, which keeps them from drying out and adds rich, savory flavor in the process. (I use this same technique for my Turkey Swedish Meatball recipe too!)
- Use a rimmed baking sheet. The rimmed edge works to contain the broth, which is key for this recipe.
- Bake at a high temperature. Baking meatballs at 450℉ creates a crispy exterior and cooks the interior quickly, keeping the meatballs juicy and tender.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
5-Star Reader Review
I just made these meatballs for dinner, and yes, they are the BEST I ever made. Thank you for your notes and suggestions, they helped a lot. They were very moist, and my family loved them. --Anne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Notes on Ingredients
The lineup of ingredients may seem extensive, but most are staples you likely keep stocked in your pantry. Pay attention to a few key notes for the best results.
- Ground Beef: Ground beef delivers classic flavor, but turkey, pork, or chicken all work well. Stick with an 85/15 or 90/10 ratio for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: Use Panko over regular breadcrumbs for a lighter texture. And opt for unseasoned, so you can control the flavor.
- Beef Broth: Used in the meatballs themselves and for baking. Select low-sodium broth to keep the sodium-level in check.
- Milk: Use any fat percentage you have on hand for a touch of richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate the parmesan yourself or purchase a container from the refrigerated deli section, not a shelf-stable canister.
- Egg: Used to help bind the meatballs together.
- Seasonings: Parsley, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper give these meatballs classic Italian flavor. Do NOT doubt the amounts. These meatballs are packed with flavor!
- Kosher Salt: Use kosher salt over table salt, which enhances the flavor rather than making the meatballs taste salty.
Recipe Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free oats or your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Control the Spice: Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and/or cut the amount of minced garlic in half.
- Low-Sodium: Use unseasoned breadcrumbs, low-sodium beef broth, and cut the amount of salt in half.
- Egg-Free: Make a flax egg by combining 1 tablespoon ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water. Handle gently--the meatballs will be a bit more delicate.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Great lighter options that still stay juicy using this baking with broth method.
- Use the Instant Pot: Follow my recipe for Instant Pot Baked Meatballs. They are not baked, but steamed and just as flavorful -- albeit not quite as crispy!
How to Make Baked Meatballs
The secret to the incredible baked meatballs comes down to one simple, surprising trick. Instead of pan-frying or simmering, they bake in a shallow bath of beef broth. The broth gently steams them for moist centers, then evaporates, leaving a beautifully caramelized exterior. It's almost magical.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, a splash of broth, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings together until well combined.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently fold the meat into the binders until just combined. Your hands are the best tool here. Using a fork, spoon, or spatula often lends to overmixing the meat, which in turn can result in dense meatballs.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll lightly into balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop. to keep the meatballs uniform in size and make quick work of the process.
- Place the meatballs on a lightly greased rimmed sheet pan and then pour a bit of broth around the meatballs. The broth won't fully cover the pan, and that is okay. We just need a bit for this steaming technique to work.
- Bake until the broth mostly evaporates and the meatballs are cooked through, about 25 minutes.
- Serve over pasta with your favorite spaghetti sauce or as desired.
Serving Suggestions
These baked meatballs work for everything from quick weeknight dinners to freezer meal prep.
- Serve over pasta with your favorite marinara sauce, Instant Pot spaghetti sauce or crockpot spaghetti sauce.
- Tuck into toasted meatball subs with melted provolone cheese and serve with a side of baked oven fries.
- Pair with homemade garlic toast and a homemade Caesar salad (my favorite!)
- Add to Italian wedding soup.
- Serve as an appetizer with warmed homemade pizza sauce.
- Add to my baked rotini for an easy protein boost.
- For picky eaters serve next to plain buttered noodles.
Note on Yield and Storage
This meatball recipe makes about 36 meatballs. And while you can cut the recipe in half, I strongly encourage you to make a full batch or even double the recipe as these meatballs freeze well.
- Freeze: Place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, simmer in sauce or bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Microwave on a heat-safe plate for 30-45 seconds to reheat or warm by simmering in sauce.
Baked Meatball FAQs
The combination of breadcrumbs, milk, and the beef broth baking method keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
Ground beef, pork, and turkey meatballs should reach 165°F internally.
Yes. You can fully bake and freeze them or shape the meatballs ahead and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking (wait to add the beef broth to the pan until RIGHT before baking).
Not with this recipe. The high oven temperature creates plenty of browning without the extra step.
More Italian-American Favorites
- Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- No-Boil Baked Ravioli
- Easy Skillet Lasagna
- Homemade Lasagna Soup
- Easy Pasta Puttanesca
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Italian Baked Meatballs
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup unseasoned Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk, any fat percentage
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth, for meatballs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, or 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt, see notes
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 pounds lean ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10 is best
- ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth, for baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450℉ (230℃). Coat a rimmed sheet pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup unseasoned Panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth, 1 large egg, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ tablespoon kosher salt, ½ tablespoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Add 2 pounds lean ground beef to the breadcrumb mixture and using your hands, mix gently until just combined. Do not over mix, but be sure seasonings are well dispersed through the meat.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture, using a tablespoon measuring spoon or small cookie scoop, and then gently shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet. Pour the remaining ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth around meatballs. It is okay if the broth does not fully cover the pan.
- Bake the meatballs for 22-25 minutes, or until the broth is almost evaporated and the meatballs are browned.
Equipment
- small cookie scoop for easy, even shaping
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love this recipe. It's perfect. I'm not one to "tweak and review", but the ONLY thing I did differently is to put a little cube of mozzarella in the middle of each meatball. It's an old habit I took to after an Italian restaurant owner recommended it. And you are right, too, about the parm. Only the fresh grated will do. Great recipe!
Hi Ginna! The mozzarella addition is brilliant. I am so glad you enjoyed my base recipe. Thank you for taking the time to review.
Would I purchase a bag of the dried bread crumbs like used for dressing?
Hi Ruth, I use plain unseasoned bread crumbs (if not making homemade bread crumbs). They are found by flour in your grocery store. Here is a link to show you what they look like in packaging. https://amzn.to/36QSiiv Hope that helps clarify! And enjoy!
Can I use almond or cashew milk to substitute dairy milk??
Hi Taya! As long as it is unsweetened and unflavored.
Let me just say, I never ever thought I even liked meatballs, my boyfriend and one of my sons do, so I started off making meatballs for them. I came across your recipe after much comparison with many other recipes, I liked the fact yours were oven baked and used beef broth- this intrigued me, and to my surprise, I found that I freaking LOVE MEATBALLS!!! Well atleast using your recipe I do! My bf, son, and myself cant get enough! They try to eat the whole pan before the spaghetti is even ready! Needless to say your recipe rocks and thank you so much for sharing! Going to try to get my other son to try them tonight!
I LOVE hearing how much you enjoyed this recipe Brooke-Rose! I personally can't eat other meatballs after being spoiled by this recipe! I hope you and your boys enjoy this recipe again and again!
I doubled the recipe, and also added an additional pound of ground hot Italian sausage.
* I used an 8 ounce package of deli-shredded Parmesan cheese.
Ended up making 40 good sized meatballs. (heaping ice cream scoop sized)
They smelled incredible when they were cooking, and tasted even better.
Very good recipe!
Hi AJ! Thank you so much for letting us know how much you enjoyed this recipe and your modifications! So glad you success!
I never leave comments on recipes so please take this as a huge compliment. My boyfriend is the pickiest eater alive. Everytime we make these meatballs he laughs hysterically with joy after the first bite. They are so delicious I'm speechless.. you, my dear, will be saved in my favourite recipes of all time.. for life.
Oh Stephanie, THANK YOU! I do not take your compliment lightly and greatly appreciate you sharing how much you and your boyfriend love these meatballs.
Freaking fantastic!
So glad you enjoyed Kasha!
Loved this recipe. But how do you prevent smoking happening in the oven or is that to be expected?
I have never had smoking in the oven with this recipe. Be sure to use a lined pan and you should not experience any smoking.
It was probably the parchment paper she used. It was probably wax paper. There is a difference and I too learnt the hard way.
Oh good point Glenna, you should never use wax paper in the oven.