How to Cook Perfectly Oven-Baked Beef Meatballs

Beef meatballs are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you're making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these oven-baked beef meatballs are a delicious choice. Follow our step-by-step guide to create perfectly cooked and flavorful meatballs in the oven.

Ingredients

1 pound of 80 lean ground beef Half a cup of breadcrumbs 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup of milk 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion 1-2 minced garlic cloves (optional) 1 large egg 1 teaspoon of dehydrated oregano 1 teaspoon of dehydrated basil Pepper and salt to taste Your preferred tomato sauce (optional)

Guidelines for Baking Beef Meatballs in the Oven

Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, minced garlic (if using), finely chopped onion, egg, dehydrated oregano, dehydrated basil, pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the ingredients are well combined. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized. Line the baking sheet: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled. Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Optional: Add tomato sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat your preferred tomato sauce in a skillet over the stove top. Once the meatballs are done, you can either combine them with the sauce in a serving dish or pour the warm sauce over the meatballs.

Alternative Baking Method

For a slightly different approach, you can also bake your meatballs in an oven-safe pan lined with aluminum foil. Spray the pan with cooking spray or rub it with oil to prevent sticking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of the meatballs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Preparing Meatballs for Spaghetti

If you're using frozen meatballs, simply pour the sauce into a saucepan to warm it up and add the meatballs directly to the sauce. This method allows the meatballs to heat up while they soak up the flavors of the tomato sauce. For homemade meatballs, follow the same steps mentioned above to prepare them in advance and then proceed with this method for your spaghetti dish.

With these simple steps, you'll have perfectly cooked, delectable oven-baked beef meatballs that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!