How Long Does it Take to Cook Meatballs? Best Baked Recipe

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This is not only the best way to make flavorful meatballs but it’s also the easiest way to create the best tender meatballs!

Plus, you can customize it to use whichever kind of ground meat you want to use for your meatballs recipe. 

This recipe will help you determine how long to cook meatballs and the best way to create flavorful meatballs every time.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Meatballs?

You can bake meatballs in the oven in as little as 30 minutes. Depending on the method used to make meatballs and the size, the time will vary to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

You can use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatball before serving.

Variations on this Recipe

You can increase the savory spices in this recipe and add a hint of heat by adding red pepper for a delicious way to add so much flavor with so little effort. There are a variety of add-in options available to please even a picky eater. 

You can make Swedish meatballs by adding in breadcrumbs, a little milk, egg, finely chopped onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, shaping them into small balls, and cooking them to perfection in a creamy gravy.

You could even add in a pinch of sugar to give them a sweet flavor and aid in the browning process when the meatballs are cooked.

Discover a delightful twist on classic meatballs with a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce! The sweet and savory flavors perfectly complement the juicy meatballs, creating an irresistible combination.

Drizzle or dip, and watch these meatballs become an instant hit at your gathering!

Play around with your favorite variations. Just last night, I whipped up a batch of juicy meatballs using a mix of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs soaked in milk from a small bowl, finely chopped onion, and a hint of bell pepper for added flavor.

After whisking the eggs I shaped the mixture into meatballs and cooked them over medium heat in a deep skillet. The sizzling sound and enticing aroma filled the kitchen, and the result was a delectable plate of meatballs that disappeared in no time.

What Are Meatballs Made Out Of?

You can make great meatballs that the whole family will enjoy from a variety of meats. 

You can create a homemade meatball recipe by using ground pork to resemble popular Italian meatball recipes. Most Italian meatballs call for a pork and beef mixture, sometimes this is a combination of beef and ground sausage. 

You can also use chicken to make chicken meatballs, or turkey for juicy turkey meatballs without having to change the cooking method. 

As with many of my recipes, I use a ground venison beef mix when making homemade meatballs but you can use any kind of meat you prefer to use. Since venison is a very lean meat, I suggest adding ground beef or pork to add a little bit of fat. 

What is the Best Way to Cook Meatballs?

There are so many kinds of meatballs to choose from and lots of different ways to prepare this easy recipe. Let’s start with your options for different methods to make the best meatballs. 

Stovetop Meatballs– Cooking meatballs in a frying pan is a great way to give uncooked meatballs a crispy crust without having to heat up the house with a hot oven. The only downside to pan frying is that they require a lot of monitoring to prevent the meat mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan or Dutch oven. You need to monitor the cooking process and turn each meatball upside down frequently to prevent burning. 

Slow Cooker Meatballs– You can make meatballs by placing a single layer in a crock pot for an easy weeknight dinner. Achieve tender and flavorful meatballs in a simmering sauce, infusing them with deliciousness over several hours on medium-high heat. The downside to cooking meatballs for a long time is oftentimes you are left with dry meatballs even if they aren’t cooked at a high temperature. 

Pressure Cooker Meatballs– Cooking meatballs in an Instant Pot is convenient with just 8 minutes of pressure cooking and 5 minutes to release the pressure, you’ll have tender meatballs in a fraction of the time but they may be too tender or become dry. Plus, you still have to spend prep time creating the 2-inch meatballs and setting up the pressure cooker. You really aren’t saving any time here, in fact, you are making more dishes and using more energy to make meatballs in a pressure cooker.

Oven-Baked Meatballs– The best way to cook raw meatballs, specifically those made up of red meat is to bake meatballs in the oven. After trying this method, you will agree that this is the only way to do it from now on. 

Ingredients Needed to Make Meatballs in the Oven

Ground Meat– I use a ground venison mix but have used a variety of meats to make these meatballs in the oven with great success. 

Breadcrumbs- This recipe calls for Italian bread crumbs but if you prefer a different texture or flavor, you can easily substitute them with plain breadcrumbs or even panko for a crunchy twist.

Parmesan Cheese- You can use fresh or grated cheese for this recipe. 

Parsley- While fresh parsley offers a vibrant and aromatic taste, you can use dried parsley as a suitable alternative or use an Italian seasoning mix if you prefer. 

Salt & Pepper- Adjust the amount according to your taste preference, but a pinch of each will enhance the overall flavor of the meatballs.

Garlic Powder- For a burst of garlicky goodness, add a dash of garlic powder to the mixture.

Onion Powder- Enhance the savory profile with a sprinkle of onion powder.

Large Eggs- This recipe calls for eggs, I usually have a large egg on hand but have also used jumbo eggs with similar results. 

How to Make Meatballs in the Oven

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat an oven to 350 degrees. Get out a large bowl and all of the ingredients needed to make this recipe. 

The first step to making these meatballs is similar to a meatloaf mix. You will first need to combine the meat and eggs in a large mixing bowl. 

Next, add the other seasonings and mix thoroughly. Then form meatballs and place them on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

When using two pounds of ground meat I make 36 meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball. Then I pop them in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, no need to use a slotted spoon to turn them halfway through. 

Once the thirty minutes are up, your juicy, tender meatballs are ready to serve. 

If you are using high-fat meat to make meatballs, you can blot them on paper towels to remove excess grease. 

I usually have a pot of spaghetti sauce cooking in a large pot on low heat and when the meatballs are done, I add them to the tomato sauce. I make a homemade marinara sauce from a combination of tomatoes, seasonings, and tomato paste.

If you want to learn how to make your own pasta sauce from tomatoes, check this easy-to-follow recipe out. 

It’s so easy to do, even if it is your first time making your own homemade sauce.

You are sure to enjoy the homemade kind more than the ones you have tried from your local supermarket so next time you make homemade meatballs or meatball subs on garlic bread, you should give that recipe a try. 

Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag until ready to use. 

Our favorite meatball recipe never disappoints. It’s a breeze to make and calls for simple ingredients readily available in our pantry, ensuring moist, tender, and packed-with-flavor meatballs.

The key is using one pound of ground meat, and we prefer the delightful blend of venison and ground beef, though you can choose your preferred combination.

Whether served alone or with pasta, these meatballs are always a hit!

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