Description
These homemade meatballs are your new go-to for quick dinners, cozy comfort food, and meal prep wins. Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, they’re made with ground beef, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, then browned and simmered in rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or versatile protein for meal planning, this easy recipe delivers every time. Perfect for spaghetti nights, sandwich stuffing, or low-carb dinner ideas, these meatballs are a must-try in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup whole milk
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
2 cups marinara sauce (optional for serving)
Extra Parmesan and parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Roll mixture into 1½-inch balls. Place on a plate or tray.
4. Chill meatballs in the fridge for 15–30 minutes (optional but helps with shape).
5. Pan-Fry Option: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides, then add marinara sauce and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
6. Bake Option: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes. Optional: simmer in marinara for extra flavor.
7. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
Use an 80/20 beef blend for ideal moisture and flavor balance.
Chill meatballs before cooking to help them hold their shape better.
Don’t skip the breadcrumb and milk mixture—it’s key to keeping them juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: homemade meatballs, easy dinner, beef meatballs, comfort food, meal prep, weeknight dinner, meatball recipe