These easy baked meatballs are perfect for making ahead and freezing! They are no-chop, homemade, and very easy to adapt. Skip the overpriced frozen ones at the store! Originally posted October 21, 2014.
Table of Contents
- How to Bake Meatballs in the Oven
- What is the secret to good meatballs?
- Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?
- Should you brown meatballs before baking?
- How long to bake meatballs:
- Storing and Reheating Oven Baked Meatballs
- How to serve Oven Meatballs
- More great meatball recipes!
- Easy Baked Meatballs Recipe
One time when I was a kid we were having a family gathering and my mom bought root beer. We never had soda in my house growing up, so it was a special treat. I filled my glass to the brim and carried it carefully to the table where everyone was sitting. I settled into my chair…and then knocked the glass over, soaking myself and half the table. I started laughing, which soon morphed into maniacal laugh-sobs, and then I burst into tears.
For years I remembered that as one of the strangest moments of my life, where my brain could not decide between laughing and crying. Now this happens to me all the time.
The other day Charlotte was sitting on one of our barstools and I looked up just in time to see her shocked face as both she and the stool sailed to the floor, practically in slow motion. She burst into tears, of course, and I held her, both of us shaking, her with sobs, me with laughter. I had to keep covering my face so she wouldn’t see. It was funny, okay! In moments like that, as a mom, your emotions dictate laughter or tears anyway, so I take the easy way out.
Lest you think me heartless, let me just say I’m not the only one. I was too late to the hospital to get any drugs when Truman was born, and Eric said later that my primal screaming was so TV-like that he had to keep looking away so that I wouldn’t see him laughing. True story. It’s a good thing I didn’t see him, otherwise he might be missing a limb. I wouldn’t even feel bad. Women can’t be held responsible for any maiming they inflict during labor.
How to Bake Meatballs in the Oven
The other day I was at Costco looking for the frozen meatballs. I was going to throw them in the crockpot for dinner that night. Then I saw the 20 dollar price tag and decided to make my own.
Meatballs don’t have to be hard. There are lots of delicious recipes out there that call for more elaborate ingredients (like these Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs, for example) but I wanted something simple that could be used for most any recipe, and that didn’t involve any chopping. No fresh onion or garlic here: embrace the powder. Sometimes you just gotta git er done.
Even though this recipe is just meat and bunch of stuff you already have in your pantry, it’s still really, really good. It calls for a full cup of milk, which makes them really moist.
You could adapt this recipe in so many ways. Just change up the spices, or add real onions instead of onion powder if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s really forgiving. The recipe is adapted from Eric’s grandmother’s famous Swedish Meatballs, which I get compliments on every time (it’s a go-to for bringing meals to new moms) but it is SO easy to make.
What temp to bake meatballs?
Bake these meatballs at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Quick, easy, DONE. There are lots of recipes that call for lower temperatures and longer baking times, but there’s no reason to make everyone wait to eat when a higher temperature cooks them just right (and way faster).
What temperature should meatballs be cooked to?
Meatballs should be cooked to 160 degrees. You can use an instant read thermometer to check these, but I haven’t had a problem with pulling them out at about ten minutes, when they’re browned on the bottom.
What is the secret to good meatballs?
Good meatballs don’t just include meat. They get their delicious tenderness from fillers like breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs. Some simple pantry spices enhance the natural flavors of the beef and pork. Also (this is not optional) you HAVE to be gentle when you mix the meat. Over-handling can make for tough, hard to chew meatballs.
Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?
Baking is better, hands down. Unless, of course, you like standing in front of the stove for an hour, meticulously turning the meatballs so each side gets perfectly browned. I’m not against frying when it gives me the best results, but baked meatballs are tender, moist, flavorful, AND I don’t have to watch them like a hawk.
I’m already watching my two-year-old. And by watching, I mean NOT watching him open every single window in his siblings’ advent calendar. Gah!!
Should you brown meatballs before baking?
You could, but why? It’s mostly just for looks. And I say it’s what’s on the inside that counts, at least when it comes to getting dinner in your family. Some people like the darker color of a pan-browned meatball, but if you’re putting them in a delicious sauce anyway, who cares?
How long to bake meatballs:
With the oven at 450 degrees, these meatballs bake for about 10 minutes. You want to watch for them to start to brown on the bottom. Once they’re done throw them in whatever sauce, salad, or sandwich you are serving them and eat them hot!
Storing and Reheating Oven Baked Meatballs
These meatballs will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in a leftover container.
If you’d like to freeze them, first let the cooked meatballs cool. Use a fork or spoon to scrape the fat away from the sides. Place the meatballs on the same pan that you just baked them on, without the tin foil. (Just fold it up as you go.) I didn’t grease the pan and they came off fine. Place the pan in the freezer and set a timer for 45 minutes to an hour. Transfer the meatballs to a large ziplock bag, seal, and return to the freezer.
You can reheat the frozen meatballs in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes, or you can microwave them for about 2 minutes wrapped in a damp paper towel.
If you already put the meatballs in a sauce, it’s best to warm them in a pot on the stove on medium/low heat until they reach your desired temperature for serving.
Can I freeze baked meatballs?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for freezing. Make a double batch, that way you always have some on hand for last-minute dinners.
I like to put the baked meatballs separated on pan in the freezer to flash freeze them for an hour or so, so that they don’t stick together in one lump when you throw them in a ziplock. Don’t forget to write the date on the bag! You don’t want to find them in there and wonder if they are a few months or a few years old.
How to serve Oven Meatballs
These meatballs are kind of like that one restaurant with the slogan “No Rules, Just Right.” Here’s a few of the ways you can eat ‘em:
- Grab a box of pasta and a jar of sauce and add these. Instant upgrade.
- Cook down an easy sauce in the slow cooker with these meatballs. Then, toast some buns, add the meatballs and sauce, and broil some sliced provolone or shredded mozzarella on top. Voila, the best Meatball Subs that put Subway to SHAME.
- Cook rice, steam veggies, and make yourself a nice protein bowl.
- Serve them with Aunt Shirley’s Famous Creamy Mashed Potatoes and a big green salad (now we’re in Sunday dinner territory!).
- Cut them in half and put them on your pizza (try this Best Homemade Pizza recipe for all the tips and tricks to satisfy your cravings).
More great meatball recipes!
- Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs << a fabulous holiday appetizer for Christmas or New Year’s!
- Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs << an Indian twist on classic meatballs.
- Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs << packed with roasted poblanos and cilantro and served in thickened enchilada sauce – perfect with rice for dinner.
- Easy Swedish Meatballs << a family favorite!
- Pepperoni Meatballs << super tender with a little pizza kick.
- Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Turkey Meatballs from Snixy Kitchen
- Mini Meatball Sliders with Pesto from Annie’s Eats
- Asian Turkey Quinoa Meatballs from Creme de la Crumb
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Easy Baked Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs , or quick oats
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together. I know, I know, it’s gross. Just do it. It works better than a spoon. Don’t over mix; this will result in tough meatballs.
- Shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs. (Or any size really, as long as they are uniform. Adjust baking times as necessary.)
- Place the meatballs close together (but not touching) on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 450 for about 10 minutes, or until browned on the bottom. Serve hot.
- To freeze: Let the meatballs cool. Use a fork or spoon to scrape the fat away from the sides. Place the meatballs on the same pan that you just baked them on, without the tin foil. (Just fold it up as you go.) I didn’t grease the pan and they came off fine. Place the pan in the freezer and set a timer for 45 minutes to an hour. Transfer the meatballs to a large ziplock bag, seal, and return to the freezer.
Nutrition
Those look so delicious! I love making meals that can just be saved in the freezer for a busy day! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and especially thanks for sharing your funny stories. Glad I’m not the only one who laughs when my kid gets hurt (non-serious injuries only, of course)!
Can spaghetti dinner get any easier? Perfection!
Pinned.
Happy Wednesday! Hope it’s a great one Karen.
Bahaha – It seems Charlotte and I have something in common: our inability to stay upright on bar stools. This is like the opposite of laugh so hard you cry: Cry so hard you laugh. (Or just laugh at other people crying…jerk).
I made baked meatballs a few months ago, and I was surprised how moist they were!!
I do gotta admit that costco meatballs are quite good, though!
I’m totally with you Karishma. Costco meatballs are bomb!!
Hi Karen, my sisters and I used to laugh manically around the table for no reason, we would always get in so much trouble. Fast forward, we kind of still do the same thing. Love these meatballs, 20 dollars seems like a lot even for Costco.
In Costco’s defense, it was 20 bucks for 6 pounds of meatballs, which is pretty good steal for something premade, right? I honestly was considering my freezer space too. (My freezer. It’s like it wants to grow up to be a shoebox or something.) And aren’t sisters just the best? The ones you can laugh maniacally with I mean :)
You read my mind! After I spend all working and trying to fit in blogging while making dinner, the last thing I want to do is chop up garlic and onion and slave away in the kitchen.
Isn’t it so funny that after all day cooking for out food blog, dinner is such a chore? I totally hear you!! Bring on the powder.
I always laugh when my husband trips over something or stubs his toe. It’s SO mean, but I CANNOT control it. I think I have a mental illness or something! Now he just pretty much expects me to laugh!
Oh my gosh, stubbing toes are NO JOKE around here. For some reason both Eric and I act like it’s THE END OF THE WORLD when toes get stubbed (our own, I mean. I know I for one am biting my fist when it happens to him, but I would never let him see! Don’t tell!)
Was just thinking the other day that it’s been a while since I made meatballs :) I have this recipe I’ve been making over and over but never tried baking. Thanks for the idea. These look awesome!
That’s funny, Katya, I don’t think I’ve ever pan-fried meatballs! It sounds like so much work, haha. It’s probably delicious though, I should try it!
These look great, Karen! And I totally know what you mean about the laughing. It just sneaks out at somewhat inappropriate times every once in a while!
Right Liz?? Glad I’m not crazy. :)
Bahaha oh gosh, my husband would do the same thing to me – he better watch it whenever we have kids – I will flip out if he starts laughing!! lol
And love these meatballs – they sound completely delicious!
He probably won’t be stupid enough to let you see him laugh. I mean, he has SOME sense of self-preservation, I assume? :)
You are not alone in the laughter. Our family tends to take it one step crueler by saying, That’s what you get. But only if they were doing something we’ve repeatedly told them not to, then it’s ok right!?! haha
Anyway Mercedes and Paul keep asking for my “special” meatballs (Costco meatballs with a secret store bought BBQ sauce). Costco didn’t have any! These look super easy and since I’m not about to put actual onions into anything I love the powdered version! Although we will be doing an all beef version here, non of that nasty pig here. :) Mercedes and Paul will be thanking you! :)
Never a bad thing to have a dinner just waiting for you in the freezer! Looks great Karen!
True story Nicole! Thanks lady!
Our household was the same way! We never had soda, and if we did on occasion it was root beer. I have the same problem- durring the most inappropriate times, I usually get the giggles when I should probably be crying or something. I love your stories, they always make me laugh! And these meatballs sound delish.
Root beer is the best!! Not when you spill it though, ha. I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s laughing at the funeral, essentially! Sometimes you just have to you know??
Super easy and great flavors, love these! My boys always want me to buy meatballs but I hate not knowing what is actually in them, so these are perfect.
Thanks Matt! Yeah it’s nice knowing there are no weird preservatives in them. Au naturel. :)
Well this is the best idea ever.
Ha! Thanks Sarah! Sometimes those Costco meatballs are just too tempting, but I wanted to have a homemade version up my sleeve.