This basic meatball recipe can be used for countless recipes. Made with ground beef, Panko bread crumbs, a little onion and baked in the oven. Check out the tips for how to have these turn out great every time!
This post has been updated on April 12, 2019.
Meatballs can take on so many different flavors. They don’t cost much to make, you can freeze them for later and they are the perfect bite-size. One of my favorite go-to weeknight meals are these meatballs and buttered noodles. So simple but always delicious!
HOW TO MAKE BAKED MEATBALLS
- Start by preheating oven to 400 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil. You can place the meatballs directly on the foil or put them on a small rack.
- Mix Panko bread crumbs and milk. Let sit for a couple of minutes.
- Add all of the ingredients into a large bowl. Pour the soaked crumbs into the bowl.
- Combine ingredients and then roll into golf ball sized meatballs.
- Place on the cookie sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
TIPS FOR MAKING MEATBALLS
- Soak the Panko bread crumbs in milk before you add them to the mixture. This step helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Try using a small ice cream scoop to form same size meatballs. This helps to ensure that they all cook evenly.
- Don’t overdo the mixing. Too much mixing can mean tougher meatballs.
FAQS
HOW TO FREEZE MEATBALLS
- After Baking: Allow the meatballs to completely cool. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. Place the baking sheet with meatballs in the freezer and freeze until solid. Place the meatballs into a freezer safe bag.
- They will stay good in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Allow them to thaw before baking them. You can also place them in a slow cooker with your favorite sauce.
WHY ARE MY MEATBALLS TOUGH?
Don’t skip the milk! It helps add moisture to the meatballs. Also be sure not to over mix.
WHAT CAN YOU USE INSTEAD OF BREADCRUMBS
If you would prefer not to use breadcrumbs or Panko you can substitute with oats, crushed crackers or crushed corn flakes.
There are so many ways to use this easy meatball recipe. Put them on a sub sandwich, over pasta, in the crockpot with BBQ sauce, I can keep going. Enjoy!
MEATBALL RECIPES:
- Turkey Quinoa Spinach Meatballs
- Parmesan Pesto Chicken Meatballs
- Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
- Meatloaf Meatballs
I am also loving these brownies for dessert from The Stay At Home Chef.
Basic Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/8 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- Mix Panko bread crumbs with milk and let sit for 2 minutes. Place all of the ingredients into a large bowl and then add the soaked crumbs.
- Combine all of the ingredients and then form into golf ball size meatballs. Place directley on foil or on a rack.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.
Notes
- Soak the Panko bread crumbs in milk before you add them to the mixture. This step helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Try using a small ice cream scoop to form same size meatballs. This helps to ensure that they all cook evenly.
- Don't overdo the mixing. Too much mixing can mean tougher meatballs.
Nutrition
This looks like the recipe I’ve had for 25 years that my husband recently threw away! I’m going to try this. The secret to the best meatballs and meatloaf is to let the mixture sit overnight in the fridge. It makes a big difference!
Wow thank you for all this info! These meatballs look like the perfect staple recipe! Pinning for future use!
These meatballs sound fantastic!! YUM!!
Meatballs are my sister’s favorite. She’ll love these.
These sound delicious! I’ll be sure to try them! Thanks for sharing!!
xo Michael
Such a great idea to make a bunch and freeze them to have on hand for a super quick and easy dinner!