Baked Italian Meatballs with Parmesan and Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baked meatballs infused with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, served with a simple tomato sauce for an easy Italian classic. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, soak 1/2 cup bread crumbs in 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 large egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the soaked bread crumbs. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  3. Step 3: Shape mixture into 18 meatballs about 1 1/2 inches each and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over meatballs.
  4. Step 4: Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: In a large skillet, warm 2 cups tomato sauce over medium heat. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Italian Meatballs with Parmesan and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Italian Meatballs with Parmesan and Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Italian Meatballs with Parmesan and Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Italian Meatballs with Parmesan and Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Italian Meatballs with Parmesan and Basil?

Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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