Posted Oct 16, 2021, Updated Oct 14, 2024 I know many people buy frozen meatballs, but I far prefer homemade meatballs. Especially because they are so easy to make and taste much better than store bought. This easy meatball recipe is our family’s favorite. We love to serve it in many ways, some of which include: with marinara sauce or meat sauce over pasta, in soups, and as an appetizer in barbecue sauce with this bbq meatballs recipe. Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make meatballs in two ways: 1) on the stovetop or 2) baked in the oven. You can even make a double or triple batch to freeze for later.
Homemade Meatball Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef. I have used 85% up to 93% lean ground beef to make this recipe. I have also subbed ground turkey with great results (or check out these healthy turkey meatballs or chicken meatballs). Whole milk. 2% milk, half and half or cream can be used in place of whole milk. I have also used pasta sauce (like tomato basil marinara sauce or homemade marinara sauce) for a dairy-free version with great results. Worcestershire Sauce. In a pinch you could substitute BBQ sauce, lemon juice or omit it all together. Minced Garlic. ½ tsp garlic powder can be substituted for 1 tsp minced garlic. Onion. ½ tsp onion powder can be substituted for the diced onion. Breadcrumbs. For a different binding agent use quick-cooking oats or oat flour. Parmesan cheese. I don’t suggest omitting or changing this ingredient at all – it adds to the flavor and texture and is critical for the dish. Fresh herbs. Adding fresh parsley or fresh basil to the meatballs is delicious but optional.
How to Make Meatballs
We’ll walk through making this meatball recipe in two ways: 1) on the stovetop and 2) baked in the oven. Don’t forget to watch the video! No matter which method you choose, you being by making the meatball mixture. To do this, combine ground beef, egg, milk and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Then, add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, sea salt, pepper, garlic and onion and stir until evenly distributed. Next, use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon and measure out 1 Tablespoon portions of the meatball mixture, then roll it with your hands.
Cook on the Stovetop
If you prefer to cook the meatballs on the stovetop, being by heating 1 to 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a nonstick fry pan over medium heat. Then, add half of the meatballs (12) and cover. Cook, covered, on one side for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden-brown. Remove lid and flip the meatballs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until meatballs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.
Bake in the Oven
If you’d prefer to make baked meatballs, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet, set aside. Then, place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet evenly spread out. Next, bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Serve
I recommend serving this meatball recipe with your favorite tomato sauce, homemade basil pesto, homemade marinara sauce recipe, or avocado pasta sauce. Or, use them to make bbq meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
So many people ask the question, “What should I serve with meatballs?” So here are some suggestions!
With your favorite store-bought pasta, or your own homemade whole wheat pasta! With a side of balsamic roasted vegetables As an appetizer! On top of a bed of zucchini noodles (aka: zoodles). Make them into a meatball sub! With a side of roasted broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts or parmesan roasted green beans! Oh, and definitely make this recipe for the best tiramisu for dessert!
Store
Store any leftover homemade meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze
To freeze this meatball recipe: If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
