These easy oven-baked Italian meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy with irresistible flavors that will have you craving for more.
Duration:
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 320kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 lb ground beef or your choice of meat
- 1/4 medium onion finely diced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
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In a large mixing bowl, add Italian bread crumbs and milk. Combine well and set aside while preparing the other ingredients, for at least 5 minutes.
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Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture, and mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Portion onto the prepared baking sheet (using a cookie or ice cream scoop will make it easier). Wet your hands with water, and roll meatballs into 2″ diameter balls.
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Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C). Remove from oven and drain off any excess fat. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
NOTES
This recipe will create ultra-tender meatballs with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
If you prefer your meatballs to be firmer: I’d recommend adjusting the amount of breadcrumbs to 1/3 cup and the milk to 1/2 cup and slightly reduce the amount of salt.
To cook your meatballs in the air fryer: place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook them for 10-12 minutes at 400ºF (200°C) or until they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C).
