There’s nothing a warm plate of homemade meatballs can’t fix.
When it comes to comfort food, a good meatball recipe is hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them over creamy mashed potatoes, tossing them with spaghetti, or simply enjoying them fresh from the oven, meatballs are a family favorite. And the best part? You don’t have to be a master chef to whip up the best meatballs at home.
Today, we’re diving into not one, but two fantastic ways to make meatballs: a simple easy baked meatball recipe and a delicious, creamy Swedish meatballs recipe. Both styles are perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping ahead of time.
Ready to find out how to make meatballs that are juicy, flavorful, and totally irresistible? Let’s get rolling (literally)!
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Recipe
There’s just something about homemade meatballs that hits differently. They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and way better than anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, baking them means you skip the messy frying, making clean-up a breeze.
For a keto-friendly version, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour—or try these [Keto Ground Beef Recipes] for more low-carb comfort food!
This blog will show you both an easy baked meatball method and the classic Swedish meatballs recipe that everyone raves about. Whichever style you choose, you’re about to unlock the secret to the best meatball recipe ever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Easy Baked Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Swedish Meatballs:
- Same ingredients as above for meatballs
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Parsley for garnish, mashed potatoes, or lingonberry sauce for serving
How to Make Meatballs (Easy Baked Version)
Step 1: Prep the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly but be gentle! Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. This size keeps them juicy inside while getting a nice crust on the outside.
Step 3: Bake
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch.
Wondering how long to cook meatballs in oven?
Bake them at 400°F for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and cooked through. You can slice one open to check if you’re unsure.
Knowing exactly how long to bake meatballs makes a huge difference between dry and juicy!
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Step 4: Serve
Enjoy the baked meatballs as they are, or smother them in your favorite sauce.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
If you’re feeling a little fancy (but still want an easy meal), Swedish meatballs are the way to go!
Step 1: Bake the Meatballs
Use the same method as above for preparing and baking your meatballs.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
While the meatballs are baking, melt butter in a large skillet. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens and bubbles.
Step 3: Add the Meatballs
Once the gravy is ready, add the baked meatballs into the skillet. Stir gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Serve
Garnish with parsley if you like. Serve over mashed potatoes with a spoonful of lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish experience.
If you can’t find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce works beautifully too!
Tips for the Best Meatball Recipe
- Don’t overmix the meat. You want everything combined, but still tender.
- Use a cookie scoop to make even-sized meatballs.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Don’t skip the nutmeg for Swedish meatballs—it adds that signature flavor!
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If you want to try a lighter version, you can easily swap the beef and pork for ground turkey and make a fabulous turkey meatball recipe instead.
Bonus: How to Make a Turkey Meatball Recipe
Want something a little lighter but still packed with flavor? Try using ground turkey! Here’s a quick way to adjust the easy baked meatball method:
- Swap beef and pork for 2 lbs of ground turkey.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the mixture (turkey is leaner and needs the extra moisture).
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a little extra flavor.
Follow the same baking instructions. These turkey meatballs are just as juicy and delicious — perfect for a healthy twist!
How Long to Cook Meatballs in Oven?
This is a question that comes up a lot. Whether you’re making beef, pork, or turkey meatballs, a 400°F oven is your best friend.
- For 1 1/2-inch meatballs: Bake for 15–20 minutes.
- For larger meatballs (2-inch or bigger): Bake for 20–25 minutes.
The inside should reach 165°F if you’re using a meat thermometer. That way you know they’re perfectly safe and ready to eat.
Knowing how long to bake meatballs ensures you get that juicy, flavorful bite every time!
Serving Ideas for Your Meatballs
Now that you know how to make meatballs easily, here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Over spaghetti with marinara sauce (classic!)
- Over mashed potatoes with Swedish gravy
- Inside a hoagie roll topped with melted mozzarella (hello, meatball sub!)
- Over creamy polenta
- With egg noodles and a simple butter sauce
Visit this: Healthy Oven-Baked Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes
You can even freeze leftover homemade meatballs and reheat them later for quick meals!
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. If using sauce, heat everything together slowly to avoid breaking the gravy.
Pro tip: Always reheat low and slow to keep meatballs tender!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking a simple tray of meatballs for the week ahead, impressing friends with a cozy plate of Swedish meatballs, or looking for a lighter turkey meatball recipe, this guide has you covered.
The best part? Once you master this meatball recipe, you’ll never go back to frozen meatballs again. Homemade is just better — and surprisingly easy!
Now that you know how to make meatballs and exactly how long to bake meatballs for perfect results, it’s time to get cooking.
Trust me, the smell of these baking away in your kitchen is pure magic.
So roll up those sleeves, grab a big bowl, and let’s get rolling some of the best meatballs you’ve ever tasted!
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