Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs (Mini Meatballs)

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Looking for a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe? These Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs (mini meatballs) are the answer! Perfect for appetizers, pasta dishes, or sandwiches, these bite-sized meatballs are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. By baking them in the oven, you get evenly cooked, juicy meatballs without the hassle of frying. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a family dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in!

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

These Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs are a winner for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly flavorful. The combination of ground meat, herbs, and spices creates a delicious bite every time.

Second, they’re easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of perfectly baked meatballs ready in no time. Plus, baking them in the oven ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Finally, they’re versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauce, toss them in pasta, or use them for meatball subs. They’re perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.

Save

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)

Equipment Used

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie scoop (optional, for mini meatballs)

Directions & Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into mini meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
  5. Serve: Enjoy warm as an appetizer, with pasta, or in a sandwich.

Save

Nutritional Information

These Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs are a flavorful and satisfying dish. Per serving (4 meatballs), it contains approximately:

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Sugar: 1g

Prep Time and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
  • Cheesy Version: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the meatball mixture.
  • Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

2. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork works well as a substitute for beef.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized meatballs.
  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs as an appetizer with marinara sauce, toss them in spaghetti for a classic pasta dish, or use them for meatball subs. They’re perfect for parties, meal prep, or a quick family dinner!

Easy Oven-Baked Meatballs

Elisa
Try these easy oven-baked meatballs! Mini, flavorful, and perfect for appetizers, pasta, or sandwiches. A simple recipe everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie scoop (optional, for mini meatballs)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground meat beef, pork, chicken, or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb option
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Form the Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into mini meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  • Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm as an appetizer, with pasta, or in a sandwich.

Notes

Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized meatballs.
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
Keyword dinner ideas easy