Tender, juicy, and bursting with savory flavor, these Easy Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or planning appetizers for a party, this recipe brings classic comfort food to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a staple you’ll turn to again and again.

What makes these meatballs so special? It’s the perfect balance of beefy richness, subtle herbs, and a touch of sweetness from onion and garlic. You can serve them with spaghetti, tuck them into subs, or enjoy them on their own. They’re also ideal for meal prep since they freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream.
What Kind of Meat Should I Use?
For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20 ratio) to keep the meatballs juicy and tender. You can also blend in ground pork for extra richness, or even turkey for a leaner version.
Ingredients for the Easy Meatball Recipe
Ground Beef – The base of the recipe; rich, hearty, and satisfying. Look for 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
Breadcrumbs – Helps hold the meatballs together while adding a tender texture.
Egg – Acts as a binder to keep everything intact during cooking.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor that elevates the meatballs.
Onion & Garlic – Fresh aromatics that bring sweetness and boldness to every bite.
Milk – Softens the breadcrumbs and keeps the meatballs moist.
Parsley – A fresh pop of herbaceous flavor that adds balance.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
How To Make the Easy Meatball Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a couple of minutes until soft. Add the ground beef, egg, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Sear for Flavor
Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives a nice crust.
Step 4: Bake to Finish
Transfer the seared meatballs to a baking dish or sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

Serving and Storing Your Easy Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm over pasta with your favorite marinara sauce, in a toasted hoagie with melted mozzarella, or stick toothpicks in them for a party snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
What to Serve With Meatballs?
Spaghetti and Marinara
A timeless pairing that never fails.
Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy and golden, these are a hearty sidekick.
Caesar Salad
Fresh and crisp, with a creamy tang.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy and buttery with just enough bite.
Zucchini Noodles
A lighter, low-carb alternative to pasta.
Sautéed Green Beans
Bright, crunchy, and quick to make.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Add a cheesy, herby bite to the table.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you’re loving this Easy Meatball Recipe, here are more delicious dinner inspirations to explore:
- Try this cheesy twist with Creamy Beef and Shells.
- Make dinner cozy with Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta.
- Enjoy Italian comfort with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
- Spice things up with Taco Ranch Bites.
- Go bold with Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a special spice? Maybe a dash of chili or a sprinkle of Italian herbs?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated comfort food recipes on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite!
Easy Meatball Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Make dinnertime a hit with these juicy, tender Easy Meatballs. This recipe combines classic comfort with quick preparation for the ultimate weeknight win. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, hearty meal prep option, or party appetizer, these flavorful bites deliver on every level. Savory ground beef, herbs, and cheese form the perfect base, while a golden crust adds irresistible texture. From pasta pairings to sub sandwiches, this dish is packed with flexible, delicious potential—ideal for quick dinner ideas, hearty food ideas, or a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl and let sit for 2 minutes.
2. Add ground beef, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined without overworking the meat.
4. Form into 1 to 1.5-inch balls using hands or a scoop.
5. Heat oil in a skillet and sear meatballs in batches until browned on all sides.
6. Transfer meatballs to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
7. Serve hot with sauce, pasta, or as desired.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meat or your meatballs may turn out dense.
For extra juicy results, don’t skip the milk-soaked breadcrumbs step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, meatballs, quick dinner ideas
