Meatball Recipe

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender this meatball recipe combines ground beef, pork, herbs, and Parmesan for a true Italian classic. Baked instead of fried, these meatballs are easy to prepare, full of rich flavor, and make a perfect pairing with pasta or tomato sauce. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, this dish delivers comfort and authentic taste in every bite.

Ingredients

⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
½ cup milk or beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
¼ bunch fresh parsley, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Soak the bread crumbs in milk or beef broth for about 20 minutes until softened.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Reduce heat and cook an additional 10 minutes until tender.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add cooked onions, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Mix gently with a spatula until evenly blended. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
Shape the mixture into 1½-inch balls and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve warm with marinara or tomato sauce, or use them to top your favorite pasta.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour (chilling)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 24 meatballs (approx.)