“All right, All right, All right…” Baked Italian Meatballs own my heart.
I love a tender, cheesy, succulent and delectable meatball. Any time. Any where. Meatballs have always been on my top ten list of favorite foods, maybe even my top five. Yes, top five. But now…Baked Italian Meatballs – top two. Easily.
A few nights ago I was feeling a bit peckish and craving something homey, warm and delicious. It needed to be quick, but more importantly, it needed to be comforting. This recipe fit the bill. In a big way.
I normally cook meatballs in my sauce. I love the tenderness they acquire as they simmer away all day. But every once in a while, I’ll fry them, which is very good, however not ideal if in a hurry. Which I was. So I baked them. And I’m so glad I did.
If I could have bottled the aroma while these babies were doing their thing in the oven, I would have. I tell you what…the next time you have folks coming over that you hope never leave – bake these meatballs – the wafty cheesy, garlicky aroma alone will put them in a trance and before you have the chance to invite them to stay longer, U-Haul will be parked out front and you’ll be making space in your basement.
They’re that good.
This recipe is all about the cheese. No, the garlic. Wait, the fresh parsley. The bread crumbs? I can’t decide. I can only tell you this – try them! Really, the process of baking renders them beyond tender and so moist.
And who doesn’t love a dish that’s prepared in one bowl and baked in one pan?
You’ll simply set the oven to 400, bake for 20 minutes or so, and serve with a nice little side of potatoes and a simple salad with a light-balsamic vinaigrette.
Perfetto!
Have fun and don’t forget to clear some room in the house…you’ll need it!
Buon Appetito!
Print
Baked Italian Meatballs
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 3/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fine Italian bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Shape the mixture into rounds and place them on a very lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of of the meatball.
- Serve warm.
Ciao!
Ciao , I NEVER baked meatballs…..after reading your wonderful post I’m
determined to FINALLY give it a try……..I’m thrilled that I stumbled onto your
blog and look forward to getting many recipes from you.
As a Italian American we were brought up “Fry” them so I’m really excited and anxious
to try this recipe.
Many thanks, Warmly, Carol from Chicago
Hi, Carol from Chicago!
What a treat to hear from you! Please do yourself the favor of baking your meatballs…OMG! I cannot tell you how tender and melty they are! I trust that you will love them! Let me know what you think! Thank you for stopping by my blog! I really appreciate it!
Buon Appetito!
Annie
I’m Italian too, so meatballs are total comfort food for me. I could eat them all of the time! These look fantastic too.
Thank you so much Danielle! We love our meatballs!
I can never resist a good meatball! These look amazing, Annie! Perfect comfort food to me.
You and me both, Gayle! I can’t resist a good meatball, either! Thanks so much! 🙂
Oh I loved baked meatballs! They are so darn comforting, aren’t they?!
Oh yeah!! You got that right! Thanks, Annie!
OK, I’m coming over for meatballs. These sound fantastic, and I can just smell the aroma! I like the idea of making meatballs without the sauce once in awhile.
You must! And then I’ll join you for some turkey bbq chili with red peppers! Thanks, Andrea!!