Easy Baked Meatballs

These flavorful, tender baked meatballs combine the richness of ground beef and sausage with Italian-inspired ingredients like Parmesan, pesto, and fresh garlic. Infused with savory garlic and onion, blended until smooth for an extra boost of flavor, these meatballs offer a delightful burst of taste in every bite. Italian breadcrumbs add subtle texture, while egg yolks and a splash of milk ensure the meatballs stay moist and juicy.

A hint of basil pesto adds a fresh, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese, enhancing the flavors while keeping the meatballs light. Baking at high heat gives a golden exterior, while a quick broil at the end adds just the right amount of crispness to the tops. The meatballs reach a perfect internal temperature, staying tender yet fully cooked.

Serve these delicious meatballs over your favorite pasta with a generous ladle of marinara or Alfredo sauce, or enjoy them as a hearty appetizer or sandwich filling. The result is a perfectly balanced, Italian-style meatball that’s ideal for a cozy family meal or a special gathering.

Easy Baked Meatballs

These tender baked meatballs combine ground beef and sausage with Parmesan, pesto, and fresh garlic for rich Italian flavor. Baked to perfection, then broiled for a golden, crisp finish, they’re perfect served with pasta, marinara sauce, or as a hearty appetizer.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword Italian, Italian Cuisine, Meatballs

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground sausage
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
2 egg yolks
4-5 garlic cloves
1/4 onion
2-3 tbsp olive oil more if needed for blending
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Extra for topping
2-3 tbsp basil pesto

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°.
In a food processor, combine the garlic, onion, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if necessary for a smooth consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground sausage, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, egg yolks, salt, pepper, Parmesan, and basil pesto. Pour in the garlic-onion mixture from the food processor.
Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Measure out approximately 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll into balls. Place each meatball on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°.
Switch the oven to broil mode and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the tops of the meatballs are golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.