25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs Recipe
These 25-minute baked ground beef meatballs are a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with a blend of ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices, these meatballs bake to juicy perfection and pair wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Optional fresh basil adds a touch of brightness when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (add 1 cup for more dense meatballs)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For Serving (Optional)
- Thinly sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Make the Meatball Mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F if baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk 2 large eggs. Add 2 lbs of ground beef on top of the eggs. Then add ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp Kosher salt, and ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper. Using your hands, gently combine all ingredients thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Portion the Meatballs: Use a standard 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out equal-sized meatballs onto a rimmed baking sheet. After scooping, gently roll each portion into a uniform ball with your hands for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: For baking, place the meatballs on the center or top third rack of the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Alternatively, you can broil the meatballs on the highest oven rack for 10 minutes. The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F. Serve hot with your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a denser meatball texture, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs instead of ½ cup.
- Using disposable kitchen gloves helps keep your hands clean while mixing meatball ingredients.
- Make sure not to overmix the ground beef to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Check meatballs’ internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure safe doneness (155-160°F).
- These meatballs can be paired with various sides such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a complete meal.
Keywords: baked meatballs, ground beef meatballs, quick dinner, easy meatballs, homemade meatballs
