There’s something about the smell of meatballs baking in the oven that immediately makes a kitchen feel like home. I remember one evening when I was a little distracted—half-listening to a podcast while shaping these classic ground beef meatballs. I wasn’t paying full attention, so some of them ended up a bit uneven in size. But honestly, that made them feel more homemade, less like a recipe and more like a story you tell with food. The aroma of garlic, onion, and herbs slowly filling the air made waiting for dinner a kind of quiet anticipation, interrupted only by the occasional clatter of my utensils or the soft sizzle when browning them in the pan.
Once they came out of the oven, I let them rest just a few minutes, though I was impatient enough to grab one early—still warm, tender, and bursting with flavor. It wasn’t perfect timing, but it was perfectly satisfying.
- Juicy and tender, these meatballs stay moist thanks to a careful balance of milk and breadcrumbs.
- The mix of Parmesan and fresh parsley adds just the right amount of savory depth without overpowering the beef.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients, just straightforward comfort food.
- Versatile enough to pair with spaghetti, tuck into a sandwich, or serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
If you’re ever unsure about size or seasoning, remember me fumbling through the prep—it’s more about the experience than perfection. You can adjust herbs or spices to your liking without stress.
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Classic Ground Beef Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These classic ground beef meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, or as a tasty appetizer. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, they are a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, whole milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
Mix all the ingredients gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned all over.
Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
These meatballs don’t require fancy equipment—just a basic baking sheet and a skillet for browning. I usually serve them over spaghetti or tucked inside crusty rolls with a bit of melted cheese. Sometimes, I toss them in a simple tomato sauce and call it a day. For a little twist, I’ve tried swapping fresh parsley for basil or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, though I haven’t tested all those variations extensively.
Occasionally, I bake them a bit longer if they’re larger, but generally, they’re ready when golden and cooked through. Leftovers reheat well, which is a nice bonus on busier days.
FAQ
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! They keep well in the fridge for a couple of days and freeze beautifully if you want to batch cook.
Do I have to brown them before baking? Browning adds flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can bake them directly—just expect a softer exterior.
What’s the best way to serve these? They’re great with pasta, but you can also enjoy them as sliders or even on their own with a dipping sauce.
When you want something straightforward yet satisfying, these classic ground beef meatballs are a go-to. Give them a try, and maybe you’ll find your own little imperfections that make them uniquely yours.