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    Home » Homemade Meatballs Recipe

    Homemade Meatballs Recipe

    Published: Oct 16, 2021 · Modified: Dec 21, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    The best homemade meatballs. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, this meatball recipe will become a family favorite. Learn how to make meatballs either on the stovetop or baked in the oven to serve a variety of ways - over pasta, as an appetizer, etc.

    overhead view of homemade meatballs over pasta in marinara sauce garnished with basil

    I know many people buy frozen meatballs, but I far prefer homemade meatballs. Especially because they are so easy to make and taste much better than store bought.

    This easy meatball recipe is our family's favorite. We love to serve it in many ways, some of which include: with marinara sauce over pasta, in soups, and as an appetizer in barbecue sauce.

    Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make meatballs in two ways: 1) on the stovetop or 2) baked in the oven. You can even make a double or triple batch to freeze for later.

    5 homemade meatballs cooked in olive oil in a pan

    Homemade Meatball Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

    ingredients in this meatball recipe
    • Ground beef. I have used 85% up to 93% lean ground beef to make this recipe. I have also subbed ground turkey with great results (or check out these healthy turkey meatballs).
    • Whole milk. 2% milk, half and half or cream can be used in place of whole milk. I have also used pasta sauce (like tomato basil marinara sauce) for a dairy-free version with great results.
    • Worcestershire Sauce. In a pinch you could substitute BBQ sauce, lemon juice or omit it all together.
    • Minced Garlic. ½ tsp garlic powder can be substituted for 1 tsp minced garlic.
    • Onion. ½ tsp onion powder can be substituted for the diced onion.
    • Breadcrumbs. For a different binding agent use quick-cooking oats or oat flour.
    • Parmesan cheese. I don't suggest omitting or changing this ingredient at all - it adds to the flavor and texture and is critical for the dish.
    • Fresh herbs. Adding fresh parsley or fresh basil to the meatballs is delicious but optional.
    homemade meatballs over pasta in marinara sauce garnished with basil

    How to make Meatballs

    We'll walk through making this meatball recipe in two ways: 1) on the stovetop and 2) baked in the oven. Don't forget to watch the video!

    Make the meatball mixture:

    No matter which method you choose, you being by making the meatball mixture. To do this, combine ground beef, egg, milk and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl.

    two photos showing How to Make Meatballs - combining meat with wet ingredients

    Then, add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, sea salt, pepper, garlic and onion and stir until evenly distributed.

    two photos showing How to Make Meatballs - adding dry ingredients and onion to meat mixture

    Next, use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon and measure out 1 TBS portions of the meatball mixture, then roll it with your hands.

    a 1 tablespoon scoop measuring out a portion of the meatball recipe mixture

    To cook on the stovetop:

    If you prefer to cook the meatballs on the stovetop, being by heating 1-2 TBS olive oil in a nonstick fry pan over medium heat.

    Then, add half of the meatballs (12) and cover.

    Cook, covered, on one side for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden-brown.

    Remove lid and flip the meatballs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until meatballs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.

    two photos showing How to Make Meatballs on the Stovetop

    To bake in the oven:

    If you'd prefer to make baked meatballs, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet, set aside.

    Then, place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet evenly spread out.

    Next, bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

    two photos showing How to Bake Meatballs in the Oven

    Serve

    I recommend serving this meatball recipe with your favorite tomato sauce, homemade basil pesto or avocado pasta sauce.

    Serving Suggestions

    So many people ask the question, "What should I serve with meatballs?" So here are some suggestions!

    • With your favorite store-bought pasta, or your own homemade whole wheat pasta!
    • With a side of balsamic roasted vegetables
    • As an appetizer! 
    • On top of a bed of zucchini noodles (aka: zoodles).
    • Make them into a meatball sub!
    • With a side of roasted broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts or parmesan roasted green beans!
    • Oh, and definitely make this recipe for the best tiramisu for dessert!
    homemade meatballs over pasta in marinara sauce garnished with basil

    Store

    Store any leftover homemade meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Freeze

    To freeze this meatball recipe:

    1. Place baked meatballs in an even layer on a baking sheet.
    2. Flash-freeze in the freezer until hardened.
    3. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.
    4. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator or at room temperature then use in your favorite recipe. You can also thaw them quicker by warming them in your favorite sauce.
    up close view of homemade meatballs over pasta in marinara sauce garnished with basil

    Recipe FAQs

    How do you keep meatballs from falling apart?

    Cooking the meatballs using one of these two methods before adding them to your sauce of choice is the best way to ensure they do not fall apart. This way they are nice and browned and hold up very well when you add sauce to serve them!

    Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?

    This is purely preference. I prefer to bake the meatballs because they all cook at once and it's less time consuming.

    Why do you put milk in meatballs?

    Milk makes the meatballs moist.

    What can I use instead of milk in meatballs?

    I often substitute our favorite pasta sauce in place of milk with great results.

    a homemade meatball cut in half served over pasta in marinara sauce garnished with basil

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Best Homemade Meatballs Recipe

    Laura
    The best homemade meatballs. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, this meatball recipe will become a family favorite. Learn how to make meatballs either on the stovetop or baked in the oven to serve a variety of ways - over pasta, as an appetizer, etc.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 24 Meatballs
    Calories 144 kcal

    Equipment

    • glass batter bowl
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • baking sheet
    • non-stick fry pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 egg whisked
    • ½ cup whole milk or pasta sauce
    • 1 TBS Worcestershire Sauce
    • 1 tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 tsp minced garlic
    • 2 TBS finely diced onion
    • ½ cup breadcrumbs or quick cooking oatmeal
    • ½ cup parmesan cheese
    • Olive oil for frying
    • Optional: ¼ cup finely diced fresh basil or parsley

    Instructions
     

    Make the meatball mixture:

    • In a large bowl combine ground beef, egg, milk and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Add breadcrumbs, parmesan, sea salt, pepper, garlic and onion and stir until evenly distributed.
    • Use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon and measure out 1 TBS portions of the meatball mixture, then roll it with your hands.

    To cook on the stovetop:

    • Add 1-2 TBS olive oil to a nonstick fry pan and turn heat to medium.
    • Add half of the meatballs (12) and cover.
    • Cook, covered, on one side for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden-brown.
    • Remove lid and flip the meatballs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until meatballs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.

    To cook in the oven:

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet, set aside.
    • Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet evenly spread out.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
    • Serve with pasta sauce, over noodles, etc.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient substitutions

    • Ground beef. I have used 85% up to 93% lean ground beef to make this recipe. I have also subbed ground turkey with great results (or check out these healthy turkey meatballs).
    • Whole milk. 2% milk, half and half or cream can be used in place of whole milk. I have also used pasta sauce (like tomato basil marinara sauce) for a dairy-free version with great results.
    • Worcestershire Sauce. In a pinch you could substitute BBQ sauce, lemon juice or omit it all together.
    • Minced Garlic. ½ tsp garlic powder can be substituted for 1 tsp minced garlic.
    • Onion. ½ tsp onion powder can be substituted for the diced onion.
    • Breadcrumbs. For a different binding agent use quick-cooking oats or oat flour.
    • Parmesan cheese. I don't suggest omitting or changing this ingredient at all - it adds to the flavor and texture and is critical for the dish.
    • Fresh herbs. Adding fresh parsley or fresh basil to the meatballs is delicious but optional.

    Store

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Freeze

    1. Place baked meatballs in an even layer on a baking sheet.
    2. Flash-freeze in the freezer until hardened.
    3. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.
    4. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator or at room temperature then use in your favorite recipe. You can also thaw them quicker by warming them in your favorite sauce.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 342mgPotassium: 149mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing Out Health.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Did you make this recipe?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Francesca

      January 22, 2023 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      Hi, I just finished making these meatballs and they look absolutely delicious! I just have one question on freezing them. What does flash freezing mean and would it be better to put them directly into the freezer to freeze? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Laura

        January 23, 2023 at 7:08 am

        Flash-freezing is when you lay the meatballs out on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and put them in the freezer until they are frozen. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or plastic bag to store.

        Reply
    2. Kait

      November 27, 2022 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      Made them easily and everyone was a huge fan! Even subbed the oats for the bread crumbs bc the store was out and they were a big hit! My 8, 6, & 4 year old devoured them and they’re usually such picky eaters!! I went light on the garlic and onion for them and they were still so flavorful!!! Will be a weekly staple in our home! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 28, 2022 at 6:53 am

        Thank you so much Kait!

        Reply
    3. N. Briggs

      March 07, 2022 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      Without a doubt, meatball perfection.

      Reply

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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