Best Easy Oven Baked Meatballs Recipe

Last Updated on April 15, 2025

Oven-baked meatballs offer a mess-free alternative to pan-frying, simplifying the cooking process. The convenience of preparing a large batch at once adds to the appeal. Let’s explore the steps for crafting delicious oven-baked meatballs without the hassle. 

Who doesn’t like tender, juicy meatballs? They’re great in spaghetti sauce or as a one-bite appetizer. 

The convenience of baking meatballs offers a hassle-free cooking method that saves time and effort. Eliminate messy stovetop frying. I’ll show you how to bake meatballs in your oven.

Ingredients You Will Need For Oven-Baked Meatballs

A combination of 85% lean ground beef and ground pork was used to make these meatballs, but any ground meat can be used. Chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage would be excellent. In some grocery stores, you might find what is called meatloaf mix. That would also work. The baking technique remains the same for any kind of meat.

Along with this combination of meats, you will need a yellow onion, fresh garlic cloves, fresh parsley, Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, one large egg, salt, pepper, and cooking spray.

The recipe card below contains the full ingredients and amounts needed.

Shaping and Forming the Meatballs

The best way to form the raw meatballs is by using a cookie scoop. I used a #50 scoop for one batch and a #40 for the meatballs in the spaghetti photos. 

The size you make them is totally up to you. Larger meatballs will require a slightly longer baking time. If you want to vary the size of the meatballs, here is a general guide to the number of balls you will get with one pound of meat in various scoop sizes.

• #50  Approx. 1.25 tablespoons =  30balls
• #40  Approx. 1.6 tablespoons = 25 balls
• #30  Approx. 2.1 tablespoons = 18 balls
• #24  Approx. 2.7 tablespoons = 15 balls
• #20  Approx. 3.2 tablespoons = 12 balls

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can weigh portions on a kitchen scale to get consistent sizes of meatballs.

The easiest way is to portion the meat with the scoop and then place it on parchment paper or another suitable surface. Then, to form the balls, oil your hands with olive oil so the meat does not stick to your palms.

Roll each into a ball with your hands. They can be as perfectly round as you like them. I’m usually not too picky about that.

How To Oven Bake The Meatballs at 350° F Convection

Preheat your oven to 350°F if using a convection oven (175° C). If your oven has convection heating this is what I recommend. The air moving around the convection-baked meatballs will make them brown nicely.

If you don’t have a convection oven, set the oven temperature to 375° F, (190° C). The baking times for the different ovens should be nearly identical.

Preparing the Meat Mixture

First, mix 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Let the Panko rest and absorb the liquid while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Then, mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. For the best results, I always do this with my hands. You could also use a stiff spatula or wooden spoon.

Choosing the Right Sheet Pan

Use a large baking sheet that has rolled edges to catch any drippings. A flatter cookie sheet might not work as well. I use a half-sheet pan size, which is 13″ by 18″.

To simplify the clean-up process, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. For optimal meatball perfection, utilize a cooling rack. This prevents the meat from absorbing its juices, ensuring a more efficient browning process. Plus, no need to worry about flipping them during baking.

When using a rack, the meatballs cook more evenly. Spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the rack and give them a light coating of non-stick cooking spray before putting them into the oven. This will make them brown better.  

Bake for 15 to 22 minutes, depending on the size you make the meatballs.  

You can check if the oven-baked meatballs are done with an instant-read thermometer or just grab one off the rack and cut it open. The meat should be cooked through and moist. The internal temperature should be around 155°F or 68°C.

For additional browning, you can place them under the broiler for a minute or two right at the end.

If you place them under the broiler, remember that they are still cooking, so start when they are slightly undercooked if possible. Take away about 3 minutes of the normal cooking time. That way you’ll ensure that they stay moist and tender.

Sauce Pairings for Meatballs 

Sauces are the perfect accompaniment to elevate the taste of your oven-baked meatballs. The right sauce can take your dish from good to perfectly delightful. Here are some sauce options to complement your meatballs:

1. Classic Marinara Sauce: A timeless choice that brings a burst of tomato richness to your meatballs. The tangy and slightly sweet profile of the marinara sauce adds a wonderful contrast to the savory meat. And the marinara sauce is perfect with meatball subs.
2. Tangy BBQ Glaze: For those who love a touch of smokiness and sweetness, a tangy BBQ glaze is the way to go. You may want to spice up your meatballs with a bit of chili pepper and cumin for a Tex-Mex flavor
3. Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Creamy Alfredo sauce offers a velvety and indulgent richness that complements the meatballs’ heartiness. 
4. Spicy Sriracha Dip: If you’re a fan of heat, consider pairing your homemade meatballs with a zesty Sriracha dip. 
5. Pesto Perfection: Elevate your meatball experience with the vibrant flavors of pesto sauce. This could be a unique appetizer dip selection.
6. Sweet and Sour Glaze: For a more oriental twist, coat them with an Asian glaze and serve them with spicy rice noodles or fried rice.

Storing the Meatballs

This easy oven-baked meatball recipe can be made a day ahead. Just form the meatballs and keep them covered in your refrigerator. Take them out of the refrigerator when you start to preheat your oven so they can warm up a bit.

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.  You can also make them and then freeze them for up to 3 months.

Place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours for them to firm up. Then place them in a freezer bag.

This way, you can easily remove the number of frozen meatballs you need without them sticking together. 

Tips for Customizing the Baked Meatball Recipe

This meatball recipe is pretty basic and leaves a lot of leeway to add additional herbs and spices. 

Experimenting with a variety of spices and fresh herbs is the key to creating your favorite meatballs. Here’s a list of aromatic ingredients to consider adding to your meatball mixture for different flavor profiles:

1. Garlic Powder: A classic addition that brings rich, savory notes to your meatballs.
2. Onion Powder: Enhance the depth of flavor with a touch of oniony goodness.
3. Dried Oregano: Infuse a hint of earthy and slightly floral essence.*   
4. Dried Basil: Add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant herbal aroma.*
5. Thyme: Introduce a mild earthiness that complements various meats.*
6. Rosemary: Elevate your meatballs with its piney and aromatic profile.
7. Parsley: Freshen up the flavor and provide a vibrant visual appeal.
8. Cumin: Bring warmth and a touch of smokiness to your meatballs.
9. Paprika: Choose sweet, smoked, or hot paprika for a dash of color and flavor.
10. Red Pepper Flakes: Infuse a subtle kick of heat for those who crave spice.*
11. Coriander: Add a citrusy and slightly nutty note to the mix.
12. Fennel Seeds: Offer a gentle anise-like flavor and a delightful crunch.*
13. Ground Mustard: Introduce a mild tang and depth to the overall taste.
14. Chopped Fresh Sage: Deliver a savory and slightly peppery note.      

* Spices recommended for Baked Italian Meatballs.

Either ground chicken or ground turkey meatballs would be great with some sage mixed in.

Give them an Asian spin with minced green onion, grated ginger, some soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. 

Ground beef could be mixed with chili powder and a little cumin for a Tex-Mex style. 

Of course, there is always Italian seasoning for meatballs in spaghetti and a red sauce.  And don’t forget additional minced garlic…MaryJo always says you can never have too much garlic.

Feel free to mix and match these spices and herbs to create your signature blend. Remember that the proportions will depend on your taste preferences and the type of meat you’re using.  

Frequently Asked Questions

  This oven-baked meatball technique is the best way to make meatballs. No pan-frying and greasy splatters. Give this homemade baked meatball recipe a try. I think you will like it.

Here Are Some More Tasty Recipes To Try:

• Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole
• Golden Crispy Oven Fries
• Cheesy Beef Noodle Bake