Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Discover the ease of making delicious meatballs in the oven with this quick and simple recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Cassidy Moore

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:16:02.289Z

This Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe is a lifesaver for those hectic days when you need a wholesome meal on the table fast. The meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and can be served with spaghetti, in a sandwich, or as a savory snack!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy and flavorful meatballs that are easy to make
  • Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides
  • Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the standout features of this Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The oven does most of the work for you, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your meatballs bake to perfection.

This recipe is designed with busy weeknights in mind. Whether you're rushing home from work or juggling family activities, these meatballs can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Just mix, shape, and bake! You can also double or triple the batch for meal prep or gatherings, ensuring you always have a tasty option ready to go.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These oven-baked meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Serve them over spaghetti for a classic Italian dinner, or place them in a sub sandwich for a hearty lunch option. They also make for a fantastic appetizer at parties; simply provide toothpicks and let your guests indulge.

The flavor profile of these meatballs is designed to please everyone. With the savory combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, they are sure to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or game day celebrations. Plus, they can easily be customized with different herbs or spices to suit your taste!

Healthy and Satisfying

Choosing to bake rather than fry your meatballs not only simplifies the cooking process but also makes them healthier. Baking allows excess fat to drip away while preserving the meat's natural flavors. This means you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without feeling guilty afterward.

Additionally, the inclusion of fresh parsley and garlic adds nutritional benefits to this recipe. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. So, while you indulge in these tasty meatballs, you're also nourishing your body!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.

Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned.

Serve with Sauce

Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan. Serve the meatballs with the sauce over spaghetti or in a sub sandwich.

Storing and Reheating Meatballs

If you have leftover meatballs, storing them is a breeze. Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure they're completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatballs can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can microwave them for a quick fix, or heat them in a saucepan with some marinara sauce for a more flavorful option. Baking them for a few minutes in the oven is another great way to ensure they stay juicy and delicious.

Pairing Suggestions

These meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic Italian meal, serve them over spaghetti or with a side of garlic bread. A fresh green salad can add a nice balance to your meal, providing some crunch and brightness.

For a heartier option, consider serving them in a sub sandwich topped with melted cheese and your favorite veggies. They also work great as appetizers when served with toothpicks and a side of marinara for dipping. The possibilities are endless!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative for this recipe.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with meatballs?

Meatballs are versatile and can be served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own with dipping sauce.

Quick Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe

Discover the ease of making delicious meatballs in the oven with this quick and simple recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Cassidy Moore

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tsp salt
  8. 1/2 tsp black pepper
  9. 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Sauce

  1. 2 cups marinara sauce

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned.

Step 05

Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan. Serve the meatballs with the sauce over spaghetti or in a sub sandwich.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 20g