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These Baked Meatballs are dependable and work in several different meals. They come together fast in just one bowl and bake up perfectly in the oven every time. They are tender on the inside while still holding their shape. It is a reliable base recipe that fits right into many dinner plans.

 👉 You are also going to love my Rotisserie Chicken Bacon Alfredo.

Bowl of pasta served with meatballs

These baked meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, ricotta, Parmesan, fresh parsley, and simple seasonings. The mixture is rolled into rounds and baked at 425 degrees until cooked through. This easy meatball recipe works well served over pasta with sauce or used in multiple meal variations. It is a practical, family-friendly dinner option ready in about 35 minutes.

Why you’ll love this recipe…

This recipe makes a consistent meatball that stays tender without falling apart. The ricotta and milk keep them soft, while the breadcrumbs give the structure. They bake evenly in the oven, keeping the process simple.

⏰ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Family dinners, pasta night
🛒 Key Ingredients: Ground beef, ricotta, breadcrumbs
🍽️ Servings: 5
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerator and freezer friendly

👉 Skillet Tortellini with Spinach and Parmesan is an easy pasta dinner to pair with meatballs.

Made With Love,

What You’ll Need for These Meatballs

  • Ground beef: Forms the base with a classic flavor.
  • Onion and garlic: Adds depth to the mixture.
  • Parmesan and ricotta: Add richness and tenderness.

👉 If I want a rice-based dinner instead, my Italian Chicken and Rice is a great option

Full Ingredients List

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 dash salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons milk

🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.

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Swaps & Substitutions

  • Use ground turkey in place of beef.
  • Dried parsley can replace fresh.
  • Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for added seasoning.

About What This Costs

Estimated total cost: $10–14
Servings: 5
Estimated cost per serving: About $2–3

This estimate is based on average US grocery prices and may vary depending on location, store, and seasonal pricing.
It is a practical protein option that stretches across multiple meals.

How to Make Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Step 2: Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix together.

Step 3: Roll into golf ball-sized rounds and place on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake 20–25 minutes until cooked through.

Step 5: Serve over cooked pasta with pasta sauce.

🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!

Meatball Variations

  • Serve in sub rolls with marinara and melted cheese.
  • Add red pepper flakes for mild heat.
  • Use smaller scoops for appetizer-style meatballs.

 👉 Beef Enchilada Soup is another hearty beef dinner to add to your meal rotation.

My Pro TipS

Tips and Tricks

  • Mix gently to avoid dense texture.
  • Keep sizes even for uniform baking.
  • Finely chopping the onion helps it blend evenly.
  • Ricotta keeps the texture tender.

Recipe FAQs – Meatballs

Can I freeze these?

Yes, freeze once cooled for later use.

How do I know they are done?

They should be fully cooked through and lightly browned.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, bake and refrigerate for easy reheating.

 👉 My Slow Cooker Beef Stew is another freezer-friendly meal.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over spaghetti with marinara.
  • Pair with garlic bread.
  • Add a simple green salad.

 👉 You are going to love my Chicken Taco Rice dinner.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in oven or simmer in sauce until heated through.

 👉 My White Chicken Chili is a delicious dinner option.

How I Use the Leftovers

  • Add to sandwiches the next day.
  • Chop into smaller pieces for pasta bakes.
  • Serve alongside roasted vegetables.

More Great Dinner Recipes

Subscribe on YouTube or follow on Facebook if you want more easy family dinners like this. 🤍

5 from 2 votes

Meatballs

Easy baked meatballs made with ground beef, ricotta, and Parmesan. Simple family dinner ready in 35 minutes.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 dash salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  • Roll into golf ball-sized rounds and place on baking sheet.
  • Bake 20–25 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked pasta with sauce.

Video

Notes

  • Mix gently to keep texture tender.
  • Freeze after baking for later meals.
  • Keep sizes even for uniform cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 240mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About Julia Pacheco

Hello, I’m Julia Pacheco, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a published cookbook author with a passion for creating delicious, budget-friendly meals. My blog focuses on recipes that are accessible and enjoyable, because I truly believe in the power of food to heal, inspire, and bring people together. From early lessons in the kitchen with my mom to navigating life on WIC and food stamps, I’ve learned the value of making every meal count. Cooking has been my creative outlet, a way to connect with others, and it even helped me land my dream job.

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. Heidi says:

    These are truly the best meatballs I have ever had…..thank you so much for the recipe! They are just perfect

  2. Therese Halliburton says:

    Love your food Thankyou

  3. Cristy says:

    In the video you add an egg, but it’s not listed on the ingredients. Do we still put it in? Thank you.

  4. Mary Tinker says:

    I love your dishes.