Name: Easy Meatball Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying, optional)

These juicy, flavorful meatballs are a true weeknight lifesaver. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, piling them into a sub, or enjoying them on their own with a dipping sauce, this Easy Meatball Recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. It’s simple enough for beginners and versatile enough for seasoned cooks who want a reliable go-to meal.

With a perfect blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, these meatballs cook up moist and tender every time. They’re freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable. Let’s get rolling!

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

Ground beef is the classic choice here, ideally with a bit of fat for flavor and moisture. A blend of 80/20 ground beef works beautifully. Want to mix things up? Try half beef and half ground pork for extra richness. Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner options, just be sure to add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist.

Ingredients for the Easy Meatball Recipe

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying, optional)

How To Make the Easy Meatball Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and milk. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. You should get about 18 meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

You can either pan-fry or bake them:

To pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10 minutes).
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Serve warm with your favorite sauce and pasta, or let cool and store for meal prep. These meatballs freeze beautifully too.

How to Serve and Store Easy Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Toss them in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti for a classic meal, or stuff them into hoagie rolls with mozzarella for meatball subs. They also make great appetizers with a toothpick and a dipping sauce like BBQ or ranch.

To store, let meatballs cool completely and place in an airtight container. They keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat in the oven or simmer in sauce on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes! Any store-bought or homemade gluten-free breadcrumb will work well in this recipe.

What sauce goes best with these meatballs?

Marinara is a classic, but you can switch it up with Swedish-style gravy, BBQ sauce, or even buffalo sauce.

Can I freeze uncooked meatballs?

Absolutely. Roll them out, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure you use an egg and breadcrumbs as binders and don’t skip the mixing step. Letting the mixture rest a few minutes before rolling also helps.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Easy Meatball Recipe, try these hearty and comforting meals next:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for creamy, dreamy decadence.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, quick skillet dinner.
Shipwreck Dinner when you’re craving a one-pan comfort food classic.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta if you’re in the mood for bold, Italian-inspired flavors.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole for a throwback dish with creamy goodness.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you always have a quick meatball meal on hand.

And tell me how yours turned out! Did you go classic with marinara or try something bold like a curry sauce? I love hearing about your kitchen wins and creative twists. Drop your comments below or tag me on Pinterest: Nina Dishes.

Easy Meatball Recipe

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 18 meatballs

Print Recipe

Description

These juicy, savory meatballs are packed with classic Italian flavors and made with just a few simple pantry staples. Perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal prep, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful meatballs every time.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and milk. Mix just until combined.

2. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls (about 18 meatballs).

3. To pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

4. To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.

5. Serve with sauce or store for later.