How long to cook meatballs in oven? The answer is: preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for approximately 20-25 minutes. Also, it can varies a bit depending on the amount of meatballs to bake.
Meatballs variations
Meatballs are a popular dish made by combining ground meat with various seasonings and forming them into small, rounded balls. The meat used can vary, and commonly includes beef, pork, veal, chicken, or a combination of meats. The ground meat is typically mixed altogether with ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavor.
Meatballs can be cooked in several ways depending on personal preference and cultural variations. They can be baked in the oven, pan-fried in a skillet, slow-cooked in a sauce, pressure-cooked, braised, even grilled. Another quicker way is air fryer meatballs thanks to its hot air circulating mechanism. Each cooking method also imparts a unique texture and taste to the meatballs.
There are numerous meatballs styles around the world. Some examples include:
- Italian meatballs: These are basically a combination of ground beef, pork, or veal, mixed with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs like parsley and basil, and sometimes soaked in marinara sauce.
- Swedish meatballs: These meatballs are typically made with a blend of ground beef and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, allspice, and nutmeg. They are commonly served with a creamy gravy sauce and lingonberry jam.
- Turkish kofta: Kofta is a type of meatball found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It generally includes ground lamb or beef mixed with onions, garlic, herbs, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
Meatballs can be enjoyed in various ways. Certainly they are a luscious appetizer with dipping sauces as well as a main course accompanied by pasta, rice, or vegetables. Meatballs are often served with sauces such as gravy, tomato sauce, marinara, or teriyaki sauce to enhance their flavor.
How long to cook meatballs in oven
To cook meatballs in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Once the oven is preheated, place the meatballs on a baking sheet or a wire rack-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Then, bake the meatballs for approximately 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through. During this time, the meatballs will reach an internal temperature that ensures they are fully cooked.
The outer surface of the meatballs should be nicely browned, giving them an appetizing appearance. This cooking time and temperature combination helps to achieve even cooking throughout the meatballs, ensuring they are moist and flavorful on the inside.
Here’s a simple 5-ingredients Italian meatballs recipe you can follow:
Simple 5-ingredients meatballs recipe
Oven-baked meatballs can be enjoyed on their own or added to your favorite sauce or pasta. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 450g (1 pound) ground beef (or a combination of meats)
- 20g (1/4 cup) Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 13g (1/4 cup) chopped onions
- 1 large egg
- 4g (1 tablespoon) chopped parsley
- Spices: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, cheese, chopped onions and parsley, egg and spices together. Gently mix them until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in tougher meatballs.
Step 2. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If desired, line a baking sheet with foil or place a wire rack on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 3. Scoop the meat mixture with a tablespoon or small cookie dough scoop and roll it into meatballs. You can roll it by hands too. Each ball should be approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
Step 4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. To ensure they are cooked evenly, you can gently shake the baking sheet or rotate it halfway through the cooking time.
Step 6. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These oven-baked meatballs can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer or added to your favorite sauce, pasta, or sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 500mgCarbohydrates: 10gNet Carbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 20g
