Baking meatballs is a straightforward and convenient method that results in delicious and evenly cooked meatballs. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you bake meatballs:
Ingredients:
- Ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination)
- Breadcrumbs (or rolled oats for a gluten-free option)
- Egg
- Milk
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Finely chopped onion and garlic (or use powdered versions)
- Fresh or dried herbs (such as parsley, oregano, basil, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature works well for most types of ground meat.
Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs (or rolled oats), beaten egg, milk, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), chopped onion and garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands, but avoid over-mixing, as that can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the meatballs: Take a small portion of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to create meatballs of even size. The size of the meatballs is up to your preference, but 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter is typical.
Arrange the meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Leave some space between the meatballs to ensure even cooking.
Bake the meatballs: Put the baking sheet with the meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs and your oven, so it's a good idea to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for poultry-based meatballs.
Optional step: For a bit of extra browning and crispiness, you can broil the meatballs for a couple of minutes after they're done baking.
Serve and enjoy: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them with your favorite sauce, pasta, as appetizers, or as part of a sub sandwich.
Remember, feel free to customize the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Baking meatballs is a versatile method that allows you to create a wide range of delicious flavors!