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Perfect Italian Oven Baked Meatballs: 1 secret

Italian Oven Baked Meatballs
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These oven-baked Italian meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. They require minimal cleanup and are perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This recipe offers a simple yet delicious approach to classic Italian meatballs baked in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Olive oil spray or drizzle
  • Optional for serving: Marinara sauce, cooked spaghetti, crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease or spray with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  4. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball and gently roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet. This recipe makes about 20-24 Italian oven baked meatballs.
  5. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  6. Serve the Italian baked meatballs as is, or warm them in your favorite marinara sauce before serving over spaghetti or with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For easier shaping, lightly wet your hands with water or olive oil.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef/pork, but add a little extra fat to prevent drying.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check other ingredients for gluten if needed.
  • Sautéing the garlic before adding it to the mix can mellow its flavor.
  • These meatballs freeze well; freeze them individually once cooled, then store in a freezer bag.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sarecipe.com/italian-oven-baked-meatballs/