Classic Meatball Recipe with Juicy Flavors and herbs

Published: February 9, 2026
Paolo RomanoPaolo Romano
Tags: Meatballs, Italian, Comfort Food, Dinner, Family Favorite

Meatballs

Delicious, juicy meatballs bursting with herbs, perfect for spaghetti or subs.

Prep Time:20 minCook Time:25 minTotal Time:45 minServings:4Difficulty:Easy

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:350 kcal
Protein:22 g
Carbs:20 g
Fat:22 g

These meatballs are a classic hit in our house — tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked with a lovely herbs and spiced kick. They’re versatile enough to serve over spaghetti, in a sandwich, or on their own with a side of veggies.

What makes these meatballs special is their juiciness and the mix of fresh herbs and spices that give them a vibrant flavor. They're easy to make from scratch and great for meal prepping too.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef:1.5 lb
  • Breadcrumbs:1/2 cup
  • Parmesan cheese, grated:1/4 cup
  • Fresh parsley, chopped:1/4 cup
  • Garlic, minced:2 cloves
  • Egg:1 large
  • Salt:1 tsp
  • Black pepper:1/2 tsp
  • Italian seasoning:1/2 tsp
  • Olive oil:2 tbsp
  • Tomato sauce:2 cups

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Parchment-lined baking sheet prepared for meatballs
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.

    Ground beef mixture with breadcrumbs Parmesan and herbs
  3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

    Raw shaped meatballs on parchment
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

    Oven-browned meatballs on a baking sheet
  5. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baked meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes to brown all sides.

    Meatballs browning in olive oil in a skillet
  6. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are fully cooked.

    Meatballs simmering in thick tomato sauce
  7. Serve hot over pasta, in sandwiches, or with a side of vegetables.

    Saucy meatballs served over pasta

Tips & Notes

  • Don't overmix the meat mixture — it can make the meatballs dense.
  • You can pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking if you prefer a crispier crust.
  • Make a double batch and freeze extras for quick future meals.