Name: Easy Meatball Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup milk; 1 egg; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup onion, finely grated; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

When I think comfort food, my mind instantly goes to a plate of juicy, golden-brown meatballs. They’re incredibly satisfying, simple to make, and perfect for almost any occasion—from a weeknight dinner to a cozy weekend lunch. Over the years, I’ve tested countless methods and tweaks, and I keep coming back to this version. It’s rich in flavor, super tender, and comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

What I love about this easy meatball recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, stuffing them in a sub roll, or enjoying them as appetizers with a dipping sauce, they’re always a hit. You don’t need fancy equipment or gourmet ingredients—just a few minutes, a mixing bowl, and your oven or skillet. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a staple in my home.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatball Recipe

These meatballs are everything you want in a go-to recipe: quick to prepare, flavorful, and adaptable. They hold their shape perfectly without drying out, thanks to a well-balanced blend of breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. You can batch-cook them and freeze for later, making them ideal for busy schedules. Plus, kids and adults both love them, so no need to cook separate meals.

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

I typically go for a mix of ground beef and pork—this combo delivers a perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Ground beef alone can work well too, especially if it has a slightly higher fat content. Avoid very lean meats unless you plan to add extra moisture with ingredients like grated onion or a splash of milk.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re short on ingredients, don’t worry—this recipe is forgiving. Swap out fresh parsley with dried if needed, use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also replace the egg with a flax egg if you’re avoiding animal products. Just keep in mind that some changes may slightly affect texture or flavor, but the end result will still be delicious.

Ingredients for This Easy Meatball Recipe

Ground Meat: A combination of ground beef and pork creates tender, juicy meatballs with rich flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder and help retain moisture in the meatballs.
Egg: Essential for binding everything together so the meatballs don’t fall apart.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic depth and flavor.
Onion: Finely grated or minced onion adds sweetness and moisture.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and contributes to the tenderness of the meatballs.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty kick and enhances the umami flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the mixture with a touch of freshness.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out all the other flavors.
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs if you’re pan-frying.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by finely mincing the garlic and onion. You want the pieces small so they blend seamlessly into the meat. Grate the Parmesan cheese and chop the parsley finely. Measure out your breadcrumbs and add the milk to them so they can soak and soften while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your palms. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. This recipe should yield around 20–24 meatballs, depending on size.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

You can either pan-fry or bake the meatballs. For pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10–12 minutes total). For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your meatballs hot, straight from the pan or oven. Pair them with pasta, dip them in marinara sauce, or tuck them into a sub sandwich. You can also refrigerate or freeze leftovers for later meals.

How Long to Prepare the Easy Meatball Recipe

Prep Time: Preparing the ingredients and forming the meatballs typically takes about 20 minutes. If you’re soaking breadcrumbs in milk and grating fresh Parmesan or onion, that adds a couple more minutes. But the process is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated steps.

Cook Time: Depending on your method, pan-frying takes about 10–12 minutes, while baking in the oven at 400°F takes around 18–20 minutes. Both methods yield beautifully cooked meatballs, but oven-baking allows you to make larger batches with less hands-on time.

Tips for Perfect Easy Meatballs

Don’t overwork the meat: Mix gently to keep the meatballs tender.
Use a cookie scoop: This helps portion the meatballs evenly and quickly.
Soften the breadcrumbs: Soaking them in milk results in a more tender bite.
Cook a test meatball: Fry one meatball first to check the seasoning before cooking the whole batch.
Let them rest: After cooking, give the meatballs 5 minutes to rest before serving so juices redistribute.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the mixture: This can result in dense, tough meatballs.
Skipping the soaking step: Dry breadcrumbs can cause a crumbly texture.
Cooking on high heat: It might burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Crowding the pan: Leaves less room for browning and can steam the meatballs instead.
Using lean meat only: Without enough fat, the meatballs won’t be juicy.

What to Serve With Easy Meatballs?

1. Classic Spaghetti

Toss your favorite pasta in marinara sauce and top it with these meatballs for a classic comfort dish.

2. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread makes a delicious side that pairs well with saucy meatballs.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make a hearty and comforting base for your meatballs.

4. Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash

For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash.

5. Meatball Subs

Stuff them into hoagie rolls with melted provolone and marinara for an irresistible sandwich.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist.

Freezer: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Place cooked and cooled meatballs on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

Per 3 meatballs (depending on size):

Calories: 260
Protein: 18g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 420mg
Cholesterol: 80mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even panko as a substitute.

Can I bake instead of fry the meatballs?

Absolutely! Baking at 400°F is an easy and cleaner method that still produces a great result.

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to include a binder like egg and softened breadcrumbs. Also, don’t skip chilling the mixture briefly if it feels too soft.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. Form them and store in the fridge up to a day ahead. Or freeze raw for future use.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to easily make them gluten-free.

Conclusion

This easy meatball recipe is a true staple that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you pan-fry or bake them, they turn out juicy, tender, and full of savory goodness every time. They freeze well, reheat beautifully, and can be served in countless ways. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.