25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These 25-minute baked ground beef meatballs are a quick and flavorful dinner option. Juicy and tender, they’re perfect served with pasta or mashed potatoes. Easy to prepare and full of savory spices, they’re sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (we recommend 80/20)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (add 1 cup breadcrumbs for a more dense meatball)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Thinly sliced fresh basil (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F if baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, then add ground beef on top. Add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Step 2: Portion the meatballs using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop onto a rimmed baking sheet. Roll each portion gently into uniform balls with your hands.
- Step 3: Bake the meatballs in the center or upper third of the oven for 12-14 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F. Alternatively, broil on high for 10 minutes on the highest rack. Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use disposable kitchen gloves to mix the meat for less mess and better control.
- Add more breadcrumbs for a firmer, denser meatball texture.
- Try mixing in chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for added flavor.
- Serve with marinara sauce or over creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts. Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but these meats are leaner and may require adding a little oil or moisture to keep the meatballs tender.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 155-160°F. The meatballs should be firm and no longer pink inside.
Print25-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
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
