Baked Italian Meatballs are a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, offering all the savory, comforting flavor you’d expect, without the need for frying. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork (or sometimes just beef), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and eggs, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and bursting with traditional flavor.
Baking instead of frying gives them a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist, and it also makes the preparation less messy and more heart-healthy. Once baked, they can be simmered in marinara sauce for extra flavor or served straight from the oven alongside pasta, tucked into a sandwich, or offered as a protein-packed appetizer.
The seasoning is key in great Italian meatballs, think oregano, parsley, basil, and sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Parmesan adds umami and richness, while breadcrumbs and eggs bind everything together. Some versions add a splash of milk to the breadcrumb mixture for extra tenderness.
These meatballs are highly versatile. You can make them in large batches, freeze them, and use them for quick meals throughout the week. Whether paired with spaghetti, layered into a meatball sub, or served as part of a holiday spread, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Baked Italian Meatballs are more than just a weeknight dinner, they’re a comforting connection to tradition, easy to make, and endlessly delicious. Serve with fresh basil and a dusting of cheese for the ultimate finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground veal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup basil chopped fresh
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp thyme dried
- 1/4 tsp rosemary dried
- 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/4 tsp dried sage
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 egg large, beaten
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried marjoram, dried sage, crushed red pepper flakes, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and your choice of pasta or in a sandwich.
Nutrition
Yum! Just like my nonna used to make! Can’t wait to have them again!
These meatballs are AMAZING! So flavorful and juicy. I will definitely make them again!
I totally agree! These meatballs are the bomb! I added some extra garlic and they were even better! 😋
I tried this recipe but it was a bit dry. Maybe I did somethin wrong. I used chicken instead of beef.
Super easy recipe! The kids loved them. Made a ton and froze some for later.
Pretty good, but I wish there was more sauce. I added extra marinara cause I lov it saucy!
I made these for a party, and everyone loved them! Thank you for the recipe!
Delicious! My family couldn’t get enough. Will make again for sure!
Meatballs, yum! But why all these herbs? I just want plain meatballs for spaghetti.
These meatballs make my heart smile! So delish!
I totally agree! These meatballs are a heartwarming dish. I tried adding some spinach, and it was amazing! 5 stars for sure!
Not bad! Didn’t have all the spices, so I used taco seasoning instead and they were fine. Kitchen creation! 😅
These meatballs are the best! So juicy and flavorful! I’ll make them again for sure. 😍
These meatballs were a hit at my family dinner! So juicy and flavorful! Will definitely make again!
Baked meatballs? Aren’t they usually fried? I’ll stick to my mom’s recip!
Nah, frying is the only way to go! Baked meatballs sound dry to me. Pass!
I used to think that too! But baked meatballs are so much healthier. Give it a shot!
I don’t get why you mix all the meats. Wouldn’t it be better with just beef? Confusing.
I understand where you’re coming from, but mixing different meats gives it a unique flavor and texture! Try it, you might like it!
But beef alone can be so boring! The mix adds depth. Don’t knock it till you try it!
I don’t see how you can mix all that meat and it actually taste good. I was skeptical, but wow, they were great! I think less pork next time tho.
I don’t understand all the ingredients. Why do we need so many herbs? Can’t we just use salt and pepper?
More herbs make it taste better! Trust me, it’s worth it! 😊
Herbs add flavor! Using just salt and pepper makes it kinda bland, ya know?
I tried this and it was OK, but I think I prefer just beef. Too many flavors for me.
I get what you mean! Sometimes simple is better. I think I’d just stick to ground beef next time too.
Too many flavors? Come on, the more, the merrier! Those herbs make it taste so good! You gotta try it again.
These meatballs are AMAZING! So flavorful, my whole family loved them!
They look good, but I think that’s too many meats. Why not just use one type? Seems complicated.
I totally agree! These meatballs are the best, I made them for my kids and they devoured them! 😋
I dunno, seems like a lot of meat? I usually make mine with just beef. Will it be too greasy? 🤔
I totally understand where you’re coming from! The mix of meats really adds flavor, but if you’re worried about greasiness, you could just use leaner cuts or stick with just the beef. It’s all about what you like! 😊
I accidentally used tomato sauce instead of marinara and they still turned out okay. Not as good, but still edible.
Meatballs = happiness. I could eat these every day!
Why do you need ground veal? Seems kinda expensive and unnecessary.
I decided to try these but subbed the veal with chicken. They turned out kind of dry. Not sure if I did it right.
When you swap veal for chicken, it can change the moisture level a lot! Maybe try adding some extra oil or sauce next time.
Baked meatballs? Never tried but sounds healthy…might skip the sauce tho.
These meatballs are amazing! I love the mix of ground meats, it adds so much flavor.
Just okay. A bit too spicy for my taste with the red pepper flakes.
Meatballs = Best ❤️. I liked them, but my kids didn’t eat it. Just saying.
My kids didn’t like them either! Maybe they’re just picky eaters? But I loved these meatballs! 💖
Meatballs? Seriously? They sound too complicated for me. Can’t you just buy them frozen?
What is veal?? Is that necessary? Can I just use more beef?
Veal is just young cow meat, but if you don’t want it, you can totally use more beef instead. Just keep in mind, it might change the flavor a bit.
Why use veal? It’s fancy! But yeah, if you want more beef that’s fine. Just make sure to add a bit more seasoning since veal has a unique taste.
This recipe is too complicated for meatballs. Just get frozen ones. Also, where’s the ketchup? 🤔
This is just an exaggerated meatball recipe. Why so much meat? And the herbs? Come on! Who has all that at home?
Looks too complicated for me, like who has all those herbs? Just stick to basic meat and sauce, that’s all u need.
I disagree! This recipe sounds delicious! I love meatballs, especially with that mix of meats. The herbs are what make it special, you can’t skip them!
Meatballs, yep! Can’t wait to eat! 🍝
Simple and delicious. My wife was impressed, which is saying a lot! LOL
Just tried these and wow, they were gone in minutes! Even my picky kids loved them. Thanks for the recipe!
I dunno, sounded good at first, but that’s a lot of different meats, isn’t it? Can’t you just use beef? Guess it depends on how it tastes.
So glad to hear that! My kids are really picky too, so I might try this recipe next. What kind of sauce did you use?