Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs: Tender, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dish that will impress your family or guests, these oven-baked meatballs are the perfect choice. Cooking meatballs on a baking sheet ensures they stay tender and juicy, while the rich tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep.
The combination of savory ground meat, aromatic herbs, and a tangy tomato sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether served over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite. Plus, baking them in the oven eliminates the mess of frying, making cleanup a breeze.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Savory, herby, and slightly tangy from the tomato sauce.
- Texture: Tender and juicy meatballs with a slightly crispy exterior.
- Aroma: Aromatic herbs like oregano and basil fill the kitchen with a comforting scent.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown meatballs nestled in vibrant red tomato sauce.
- Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginners, with straightforward steps and minimal equipment.
- Special Equipment: Just a baking sheet and mixing bowls are needed.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is beginner-friendly, with simple techniques like mixing and baking.
- Category: Main dish, appetizer, or party food.
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, with classic flavors like garlic, oregano, and tomato sauce.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using pantry staples and affordable ground meat.
- Season: Perfect year-round, but especially comforting in cooler months.
- Occasion: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or game day snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These oven-baked meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, the taste is unbeatable—each bite is packed with savory flavors from the herbs and spices, balanced by the tangy tomato sauce. The texture is equally impressive, with tender, juicy meatballs that have just the right amount of crispiness from baking.
Convenience is another major win. By baking the meatballs on a sheet pan, you avoid the mess and hassle of frying. Plus, the hands-off cooking method means you can focus on preparing sides or simply relaxing while dinner cooks itself. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—serve it over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a standalone appetizer.
Nutritionally, these meatballs are a great source of protein, and you can easily adapt them to suit dietary needs. They’re also cost-effective, using simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for a family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Finally, the social and entertaining value of this recipe is unmatched. Meatballs are a universally loved dish, making them perfect for gatherings. Plus, they’re easy to scale up for larger crowds, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
The Recipe
Oven-Baked Meatballs
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, heat the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve hot over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer.
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Make ahead: Prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to use.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
