SIMPLE Basic Baked Meatball Recipe

As a passionate foodie, I love mixing quality ground beef and pork with Italian herbs and garlic to create something special. This Meatballs With Pork And Beef recipe features Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, offering a unique blend of flavors that irresistibly invites me to savor every delicious bite.

I’ve always been on the hunt for a no-fuss meatball recipe that actually delivers, and this baked meatball recipe is one of my favorites. I started out experimenting with meats and found that combining 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 pound of ground pork (or turkey if you want a lighter option) just works wonders.

I toss in a large egg to bind everything together, mix in 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for that extra flavor kick, and add 2 cloves minced garlic for a robust taste. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano rounds out this simple yet mouthwatering dish.

I’ve been making these meatballs for parties and weeknight dinners because they’re super easy and yield delicious results every time. Just pop ’em in the oven and get ready for a meal thats sure to impress!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because its simple and easy to follow. I don’t have to be a pro chef to mix all the ingredients together and get a tasty result every time.
I like that the combination of beef and pork (or turkey if Im in the mood for something lighter) gives the meatballs a really unique and rich flavor. The Italian herbs and spices make everything pop and give it a homemade feel that I can’t get with store bought options.
Additionally, I appreciate how flexible it is. I can easily add a little olive oil on top for extra browning, or switch out the pork for turkey without any fuss. This means I can tweak it a little based on what I have on hand or how I feel.
Also, the instructions make it pretty clear that I should avoid overmixing the meat so I get tender meatballs every time, which is something Ive struggled with before.
All in all, its just a really fun recipe that always ends up tasting amazing, and I love that it never seems to fail me no matter what.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Rich protein base that gives a hearty flavor and juicy texture to meatballs.
• Ground pork: Blends with beef to deliver extra tenderness and a subtly sweet, savory taste.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder and adds extra protein ensuring meatballs hold together.
• Breadcrumbs: Simple carbohydrate that helps retain moisture and provides a soft, cohesive crumb.
• Garlic: Infuses a bold, aromatic kick that brightens the overall savory flavor of the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a tangy, salty depth and a deliciously rich umami finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork (or turkey if you want a lighter version)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (or turkey for a lighter version), large egg, plain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, ground black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano.

3. Mix everything together gently with your hands just until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

4. Try not to overmix the meat because that can make the meatballs tough.

5. Form the mixture into meatballs, making them about the same size so they cook evenly.

6. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet that has been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper.

7. If you want them to brown a bit extra, you can drizzle a little olive oil on top, though it isn’t necessary.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they get a nice even color all around.

9. Check that they are cooked through by making sure there’s no pink in the center.

10. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of pasta.

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set at 400°F
2. A large mixing bowl
3. A baking sheet
4. Parchment paper or something to grease the sheet lightly
5. A grater (for the Parmesan cheese)
6. A knife and cutting board (for mincing the garlic and chopping the parsley)
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Your hands for mixing and forming the meatballs

FAQ

SIMPLE Basic Baked Meatball Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you’re not in the mood for pork, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter twist.
• Don’t have an egg? You can mix 1 teaspoon of flaxseed with 3 teaspoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to act as a binder.
• If you’re out of plain breadcrumbs, try crushed saltine crackers or panko crumbs which adds a bit of crunch.
• No Parmesan on hand? Pecorino Romano works great too but use a little less since it can be saltier.
• If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley is a good backup; use about one third of the amount called for.

Pro Tips

1. When mixing the meat, be super careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so just stir it like you mean it and then stop.

2. Try to make your meatballs exactly the same size. That way they all cook evenly and you wont have a few overdone ones and others still a bit undercooked.

3. If you want them to get that nice, extra brown outside, drizzle a little olive oil on top before baking. It’s a neat trick that adds some extra crispiness.

4. Let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes after you take them out of the oven. This helps keep them juicy and lets the flavors settle a bit before you dig in.