I have perfected my Meatball Italian recipe that merges ground beef with Italian sausage, garlic, and chopped parsley. Paired with grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs soaking in milk, each bite bursts with savory Italian flavors. These baked meatballs are a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a uniquely satisfying way.

Jump to Recipe

I love experimenting in the kitchen and this Easy Baked Italian Meatballs recipe is one of my favorites. I first tried combining 1 lb ground beef with 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) and I knew I had something special.

The mix of 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese gives the meatballs a perfect texture. I also toss in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 2 cloves garlic minced for that extra kick.

Adding 1/2 cup milk and 1 tsp dried oregano really brings all the flavors together while salt and freshly ground black pepper keep it simple yet effective. I bake them and then let them simmer in 2 cups marinara sauce so each bite bursts with Italian goodness.

This recipe reminds me of classic Meatball Italian dishes like Carrabbas Meatball Recipe and other Delicious Meatballs Recipes that never fail to impress. Enjoy every bite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s so easy to put together, even on nights when I’m not feelin great about my cooking skills. I like how the meatballs turn out juicy and tender – there’s just something about the mix of beef and Italian sausage that makes every bite full of flavor. I also love that I can tweak the amount of sauce I use, so sometimes I like ‘em extra saucy for dunkin my bread, and that makes it feel like a real comfort food meal. Lastly, I appreciate that the recipe has a homey vibe, reminding me of family dinners, even if I’m just cookin for myself.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Ground beef: Provides protein and a hearty, savory flavor but can be a bit fatty sometimes.
Italian sausage: Brings in spicy seasoning and extra protein that makes each bite juicy.
Breadcrumbs: Supplies carbs and helps bind the mix, improving texture nicely.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick along with extra protein and umami.
Marinara sauce: Infuses a tangy tomato zest that lifts the overall flavor profile.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra if you want to serve on the side)

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian sausage (make sure you removed the casing), breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, milk, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix, just combine until it’s all evenly distributed.

3. Scoop out the mixture and roll them into meatballs about
1.5 inches in diameter. They might not all be perfect in shape and that’s okay.

4. Place the meatballs evenly in your prepared baking dish.

5. Spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs. If you like them extra saucy, you can pour a bit more on top.

6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned.

7. If you want a little extra crispy top, put the meatballs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

8. Remove them from the oven and let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

9. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side if you like to dunk your meatballs.

10. Enjoy your easy baked Italian meatballs with pasta, crusty bread, or just on their own as a hearty snack.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish or sheet pan (plus parchment paper if using a sheet pan)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Cutting board and knife (for chopping parsley and mincing garlic)
6. Mixing utensil (spoon or spatula)
7. Timer

FAQ

Q: How do i combine the meat and other ingredients?

A: Mix the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, milk, and spices in a bowl until just combined. Dont overmix or they might get tough.

Q: What oven temp and time do i use for baking?

A: Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the meatballs for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked through.

Q: Can i freeze leftovers

A: Sure, if you let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven so they dont get soggy.

Q: Can i serve extra marinara sauce with them

A: Absolutely, many folks like to serve extra marinara on the side for dipping, or pour it over for extra flavor.

Q: What if i dont have Italian sausage, can i substitute

A: Yes, you can use all ground beef instead but keep in mind the flavor might be a bit different. You might wanna adjust the spices for more flavor.

Easy Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken instead — they’re leaner and work good in meatballs.
If Italian sausage is hard to find or you’re looking for something lighter, turkey sausage is a solid switch.
You can swap bread crumbs with crushed stale Italian bread or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a non-wheat alternative.
If parmesan runs out, Pecorino Romano is a great option that still gives a sharp, salty flavor.
For milk, unsweetened almond or soy milk is a fine substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you chill the meat mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling. It helps the meatballs hold together better and stops ’em from getting too crumbly while you’re forming them.

2. Wet your hands lightly when shaping the meatballs. It may sound simple but trust me, this trick makes the meat easier to handle and you get nice, even balls without all the extra mess.

3. Try not to mix the ingredients too hard. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough so just do a gentle mix until everything is combined, even if it’s not perfect.

4. If you want a crispier top, keep a close eye on them under the broiler. Even a minute more than needed can burn them real quick so set a timer and check every now and then.

Easy Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

770

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven
2. Baking dish or sheet pan (plus parchment paper if using a sheet pan)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Cutting board and knife (for chopping parsley and mincing garlic)
6. Mixing utensil (spoon or spatula)
7. Timer

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra if you want to serve on the side)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian sausage (make sure you removed the casing), breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, milk, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Don't overmix, just combine until it's all evenly distributed.
Scoop out the mixture and roll them into meatballs about
5 inches in diameter. They might not all be perfect in shape and that's okay.
Place the meatballs evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs. If you like them extra saucy, you can pour a bit more on top.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
If you want a little extra crispy top, put the meatballs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.
Remove them from the oven and let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side if you like to dunk your meatballs.
Enjoy your easy baked Italian meatballs with pasta, crusty bread, or just on their own as a hearty snack.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.