Classic homemade meatballs are a staple in our home! 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. These oven-baked meatballs are juicy, tender, and easy to prepare, making them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you can serve them with spaghetti or your favorite sides for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can have delicious meatballs ready to enjoy.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy with pasta, mashed potatoes, or on their own as appetizers.
- Flavorful Seasoning: Simple yet tasty spices enhance the beef without overwhelming it.
- Family-Friendly: A recipe that appeals to all ages, making dinner time stress-free.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your meatballs, gather the essential tools for a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment will make preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Oven thermometer (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spills.
- Cookie scoop: This tool ensures uniformity in meatball size, leading to even cooking.
- Rimmed baking sheet: Keeps any juices contained while baking, preventing messes in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 lbs ground beef (we recommend 80/20)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (see note – 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)
How to Make 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
If baking meatballs, preheat oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs. Add 2 lbs of ground beef on top, followed by ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp Kosher salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly but be careful not to overwork the mixture. Once combined, stop mixing.
Step 2: Portion the Meatballs
Using a standard cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion out equal-sized meatballs onto a rimmed baking sheet. After scooping each portion, gently roll them into uniform balls with your hands.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
To bake the meatballs, place them in the center or top third of the oven and cook for about 12-14 minutes. Alternatively, if broiling, place the meatballs on the highest rack and broil on high for approximately 10 minutes. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta dishes or sides! If desired, top with fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs
Serving 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs can be as creative as you like! These versatile meatballs pair well with a variety of dishes, making them a family favorite at dinner time. Here are some delicious ways to serve them.
With Spaghetti
- A classic combination, serving meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce creates a hearty meal that everyone loves.
In a Submarine Sandwich
- Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, top with marinara and melted cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Serve the meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, drizzled with gravy for a comforting dish.
On a Salad
- Slice the meatballs and toss them on a fresh garden salad for an easy, protein-packed lunch option.
With Polenta
- Pairing meatballs with creamy polenta adds a rich texture and flavor that complements their savory taste.
As Appetizers
- Serve these meatballs as bite-sized appetizers at parties, skewered with toothpicks and paired with dipping sauces.
How to Perfect 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs
To ensure your 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use quality beef: Choosing ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio will keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid tough meatballs; overworking the mixture can lead to density.
- Let them rest: Allowing the formed meatballs to sit for about 10 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape.
- Preheat properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 155-160°F for safe consumption.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like parsley or spices for additional flavor in your meatball mixture.
Best Side Dishes for 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs
When serving 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs, pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread complements the flavors of marinara sauce when served alongside spaghetti and meatballs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the meatballs.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad provides crispness and tanginess that pairs beautifully with meaty dishes.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf goes well with meatballs, absorbing any delicious sauces from the dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds freshness and fiber, making it a healthy choice.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad makes for a nutritious side that offers texture contrast to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings brightness and crunch, which balances the tenderness of baked meatballs.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a hint of sweetness that contrasts nicely against savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making meatballs can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the meat: Overworking the ground beef can make your meatballs tough. Combine the ingredients just until mixed.
- Skipping the breadcrumb step: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them moist. Don’t forget to add them!
- Ignoring cooking temperature: Meatballs need to reach an internal temperature of 155-160F for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Not letting them rest: Allowing cooked meatballs to sit for a few minutes before serving helps retain juices. Don’t skip this step!
- Using leaner beef: While it may seem healthier, using too lean beef can result in dry meatballs. Aim for 80/20 ground beef for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs
- Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350F and reheat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a splash of sauce over medium heat until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these delicious meatballs.
How long does it take to make 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs?
It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 14 minutes of cook time, so you can enjoy them in just about 25 minutes!
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer. Just adjust your seasoning accordingly.
Are these meatballs suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! The 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs freeze well and are perfect for meal prep.
What should I serve with my baked meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Add your favorite sauce for extra flavor!
Final Thoughts
These 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs are not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to fit any meal occasion. You can customize them by adding herbs or spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delicious homemade meatballs that your family will love!
25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs
Experience the joy of homemade cooking with these 25-Minute Baked Ground Beef Meatballs! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe yields tender and juicy meatballs that are sure to please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs. Add ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion out meatballs onto a rimmed baking sheet and roll into uniform balls.
- Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
