Perfect Meatballs (freezer friendly)
An easy meatball recipe is a kitchen staple with easy-to-prep.
Meatballs are quick to make with ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. These can be baked right away or prepped in batches and frozen for easy weeknight meals.
![This is my all time favorite easy meatball recipe! They're easy to make and perfect for spaghetti and meatballs, meatball subs or adding to soups or stews. #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef plated Easy Meatball Recipe with a fork](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1200-Easy-Meatball-Recipe-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
- These are so good and they’re loved by kids and adults alike.
- Making homemade meatballs is easy.
- They’re perfect for spaghetti or as an appetizer (I’m looking at you, Grape Jelly Meatballs).
- These meatballs are perfectly seasoned and come out tender and juicy every time.
- Double or triple this meatball recipe and freeze them for quick weeknight meals.
![This is my all time favorite easy meatball recipe! They're juicy and tender and make the perfect addition to pasta, casseroles or soups! #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef Homemade Meatballs](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SpendWithPennies-The-Best-Meatball-Recipe-25.jpg)
Ingredients in Meatballs
- Meat: I love a combination of beef and pork but this recipe works well with just ground beef too. You can also add veal, lamb, or lean Italian sausage.
- Egg: This helps bind the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Seasoned bread crumbs add flavor and keep the meatballs moist with a tender texture.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture.
- Onion: Adds flavor, it can be replaced with ½ teaspoon onion powder.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese add flavor, but feel free to change the seasonings or add fresh herbs to match the other flavors in your meal.
![This is the easiest meatball recipe! Pork and beef create the perfect easy Italian meatball. Add these to pasta, casseroles or soups! #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef Homemade meatball ingredients in a clear glass bowl](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SpendWithPennies-The-Best-Meatball-Recipe-21.jpg)
How to Make Meatballs
This easy meatball recipe is quick to prepare.
- Mix the ingredients (recipe below) and form 48 meatballs, 1-½ inches in diameter.
- Place them ½-inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake until tender or freeze per the directions below.
![This is a favorite Italian meatball recipe! Pork, beef, seasonings and a bit of parmesan cheese create the perfect meatball. Add these to pasta, casseroles or soups! #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef Precooked meatballs on a baking sheet](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SpendWithPennies-The-Best-Meatball-Recipe-22.jpg)
Holly’s Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the ingredients, do not overmix as overmixing can make the meat dense and tough.
- Size Matters: Ensure the meatballs are the same size so they cook evenly; a cookie scoop makes this job easy.
- Don’t be Lean: Ensure you choose lean meat (80/20) and not extra lean. A little bit of fat keeps meatballs tender and juicy. If you’re using extra lean meat, add a tablespoon of olive oil or ¼ cup chopped raw bacon.
- Season and Flavor: This recipe is seasoned with Italian-style flavors. Replace the Italian flavors based on how you’re serving them – try ginger and garlic for a sweet and sour sauce.
![This is a favorite Italian meatball recipe with lean beef, ground pork, Italian seasoning and a bit of parmesan cheese create the perfect meatball. Add these to pasta, casseroles or soups! #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef Meatballs on a baking sheet](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SpendWithPennies-The-Best-Meatball-Recipe-24.jpg)
How to Freeze Meatballs
These meatballs can be prepared and frozen, either raw or baked.
To freeze before baking: Place meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 4 months.
To bake raw meatballs from frozen, add 6 to 10 minutes to the cooking time or until they reach 160°F with an instant read thermometer.
To freeze after baking: Once cooked and cooled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a plastic freezer bag and keep them frozen for up to 4 months. Meatballs can be thawed in the fridge overnight or by simmering in tomato sauce until heated through.
More Easy Meatball Recipes
Think beyond beef – you can make meatballs with ground turkey or chicken!
Did your family love these easy meatballs? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
![A plate filled with an easy meatball recipe topped with parsley.](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-SpendWithPennies-The-Best-Meatball-Recipe-26-220x220.jpeg)
Easy Meatball Recipe
This easy meatball recipe is my go-to recipe. They’re easy to make and come out juicy and tender.
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, add beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, parsley, parmesan cheese, egg, and seasonings. Gently mix until combined.
-
Shape the meat mixture into 48 meatballs, approximately 1 ½ tablespoons each.
-
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meatballs reach 160°F.
-
Serve with tomato sauce if desired.
Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
These meatballs can be prepared and frozen, either raw or baked. To bake raw meatballs from frozen, add 6 to 10 minutes to the cooking time or until they reach 160°F with an instant read thermometer.
Serving: 4meatballs | Calories: 300 | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 423mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 2.6mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
![This is my all time favorite easy meatball recipe! They're easy to make and perfect for spaghetti and meatballs, meatball subs or adding to soups or stews. #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef close up of Easy Meatball Recipe on a plate with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NP-Easy-Meatball-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![This is the easiest meatball recipe! Pork and beef create the perfect easy Italian meatball. Add these to pasta, casseroles or soups! #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef make ahead Easy Meatball Recipe on a sheet pan with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SP-Easy-Meatball-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![This is a favorite Italian meatball recipe! Pork, beef, seasonings and a bit of parmesan cheese create the perfect meatball. Add these to pasta, casseroles or soups! #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef Easy Meatball Recipe on a plate with a fork and a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SP-Easy-Meatball-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
![This is a favorite Italian meatball recipe with lean beef, ground pork, Italian seasoning and a bit of parmesan cheese create the perfect meatball. Add these to pasta, casseroles or soups! #spendwithpennies #meatballs #meatballrecipe #groundbeef Easy Meatball Recipe on a sheet pan and plated with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP-Easy-Meatball-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)