How to Make 5-Star Baked Meatballs with Pasta in Parmesan Spinach Sauce

By: Bennett Claire
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Posted: 07/15/2025

Let’s talk comfort food. Forget those bland, dry meatballs you might remember from school lunches. What are some of the best baked meatball recipes? Think juicy, flavorful, and perfectly browned – every. single. time. I’m talking about meatballs so good, you’ll want to eat them straight from the oven (and honestly, I don’t like to cook them). ). These remind me of my grandma’s Sunday dinners, but way easier to Make. If you love spaghetti and meatballs night, but dread the mess of frying, then this is your recipe. What are some of the best baked meatball recipes?

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What is the recipe for Baked Meatballs?

>What are baked meatballs? What is the best way to cook meatballs in the oven? What are some ways to Think of it as a healthier, less messy, and equally delicious alternative to the traditional method. We’re talking about tender, flavorful meatballs with a beautiful crust, all achieved without compromising taste. Standing over a hot stove splattered in oil. What is baked? What’s my go-to method for cooking sauce in the oven?

Why you will love this recipe?

>What are some of my favorite baked meatball recipes?

Flavor:What are some of the best meatballs? The combination of beef, pork, and seasonings creates a depth of flavor that’s just irresistible. What I love most is the subtle sweetness from the onion and a little bit of garlic powder. What is the perfect balance of meatiness and sweetness?
Simplicity:What is a good meatball recipe? Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this. What is a great meal to have for dinner on weeknights?
Cost-All the ingredients are readily available at any grocery store and relatively inexpensive. How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank? Can meatballs be a wallet friendly protein?
Versatility:What are some great ways to use baked meatballs? Of course, they’re fantastic with spaghetti, but they also fantastic in meatball subs, as well. What are some of the best appetizers to serve with a tangy dipping sauce? My kids love them as snacks! Is it possible to transform one recipe into a whole new recipe?

How do I make Baked Meatballs?

Quick Overview

>How do you make baked meatballs? What are some good ways to make meatballs? The oven does all the work, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. What is the hardest part of waiting for them to bake? Is pan frying easier than pan-frying? You don’t have to constantly watch them and flip them.

Ingredients

>For the Baked Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is best for flavor and moisture)
1/2 pound ground pork (adds richness and tenderness)
1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for a lighter texture)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the powdered kind)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (adds a pop of freshness)
1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white works great)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best)
1 large egg, lightly beaten (helps bind everything together)
1/4 cup milk (keeps meatballs moist)
1 teaspoon salt per 1 cup.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a subtle extra layer of garlic flavor)
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

>Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). How do I clean a baking sheet with parchment paper? Why don’t you scrub baked on meatballs off your pan? If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use tin foil.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

>In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside. Refrigerate until needed. Italian seasoning. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step ensures that all the spices are nicely mixed throughout the meatballs.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

>In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and salt. Set aside. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough.

Step 4: Combine

>Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and makes for dense, tough meatballs. I usually use my hands for this step. Is it easy to get everything incorporated without overworking it?

Step 5: Form Meatballs

>How do you make meatballs? Place meatballs on a baking sheet. Leave 1-2 inches between each meat ball. I find that using a cookie scoop helps to make sure all the meatballs are the same size, which helps in reducing the amount of fat. How do I cook them evenly?

Step 6: Bake

>Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned. I always use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Is it better to be safe than sorry?

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately with your favorite sauce and pasta, in Meatball Subs, or as appetizers with a side salad. My family loves them with marinara sauce and spaghetti. What are some good ways to serve them?

What should I serve it with?

>What are some of my favorite ways to serve baked meatballs?

With Spaghetti and Marinara Sauce: What are some good recipesWhat is a classic meal? I usually add a sprinkle of fresh basil and ricotta cheese for extra flavor.
In Meatball Subs:What are some good meatball recipes? Toast some hoagie rolls, pile on the meat balls, smother them in marinara sauce, and top with melted cheese. What is mozzarella cheese? What are some great game-day snacks for a weeknight dinner?
As Appetizers with Dipping Sauce:Serve meatballs with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce. What are some of the best honey mustard recipes? What are some great options for parties or gatherings?
In Chili:How do you make meatballs?
On Pizza:What are some good ways to serve meatballs on a pizza? What are some good protein powders that add flavor to a meal?

>Growing up, my mom would always make mini-meatball skewers with a balsamic glaze for parties. They were always the first thing to disappear!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Meatballs Recipe

>Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for making the perfect baked meatballs:

Don’t overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and makes the meatballs tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork: This combination creates a rich and flavorful meatball. You can also use ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor will be different.
Add breadcrumbs and milk: This helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender. I prefer panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
Use fresh herbs and spices: Fresh herbs and spices add a ton of flavor to the meatballs. I always use fresh parsley and minced garlic.
Bake at a high temperature: Baking at a high temperature helps to brown the meatballs and seal in the juices.
Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the meatballs are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

>I also learned the hard way that it’s important to use a baking sheet with sides! One time, I used a flat baking sheet, and the grease splattered all over my oven. What a mess!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s How to properly store and reheat your baked meatballs:

Room Temperature: Cooked meatballs can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become a little rubbery. Alternatively, simmer them in your favorite sauce on the stovetop.

>I usually make a big batch of these baked meatballs and freeze them for quick and easy meals. They’re a lifesaver on busy weeknights!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Look for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a similar texture to regular panko. You may need to add a little extra milk to the mixture to compensate for the drier texture of gluten-free breadcrumbs. Start with an extra tablespoon and add more as needed until the mixture is moist but not too wet.

Do I need to peel the onion?

Yes, you should peel the onion before chopping it. The papery skin of the onion is not edible and can be quite tough. Peeling the onion also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the outer layers.

Can I make this as mini meatballs instead?

Absolutely! To make mini meatballs, simply form the mixture into smaller meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Mini meatballs are great as appetizers or for adding to soups and stews.

How can I adjust the seasoning?

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a more Italian flavor, add a teaspoon of dried oregano or basil. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Romano or Asiago.

What can I do to make these even juicier?

To ensure that your meatballs are extra juicy, don’t overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove them from the oven as soon as they reach 160°F (71°C). You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture for extra moisture. Another trick is to gently press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball before baking.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to baked meatballs recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick and satisfying dinner, these meatballs are sure to please. They’re seriously the best! If you love these meatballs, you might also enjoy my recipe for Slow Cooker marinara sauce or my classic lasagna recipe. And as always, happy baking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try this baked meatballs recipe and what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own variations. Enjoy!

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How to Make 5-Star Baked Meatballs with Pasta in Parmesan Spinach Sauce

Delicious baked meatballs served with pasta in a creamy Parmesan spinach sauce. A 5-star meal the whole family will love!

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 lb Ground Beef 80/20 blend
0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
1 Egg
2 cloves Garlic Minced
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
0.5 tsp Salt
0.25 tsp Black Pepper
1 lb Pasta Your favorite type
2 cups Heavy Cream
1 cup Chicken Broth
4 oz Cream Cheese Softened
0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated, for sauce
5 oz Fresh Spinach

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.