Basic Oven Meatballs
Juicy, flavorful oven-baked meatballs with a savory blend of beef and bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. Easy to make and freeze for later.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
- Stir in milk, bread crumbs, chopped onion, and salt.
- Add ground beef and mix well.
- Chill the mixture for a short period to firm up.
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into 6 dozen meatballs.
- Bake in two 15 x 10-inch pans at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Place meatballs on another baking pan and cool.
- Freeze if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, which pairs well with the other ingredients. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can substitute with crushed crackers or oats. To enhance flavor, add minced garlic or Italian herbs. Remember to chill the mixture before shaping to make it easier to handle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic meal, or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting dish. They also make great appetizers when served with toothpicks and a dipping sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Oven Meatballs contains roughly 2198 calories, with 62g protein, 338g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (124% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2498mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together. You can also freeze the raw meatballs, then cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana per egg. Alternatively, a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water can work as a binding agent as well.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
To check if the meatballs are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the center of one; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, you can cut one open to ensure there’s no pink meat inside.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).