Herb-Infused Beef Meatballs with Parmesan

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

Juicy, aromatic meatballs made with fresh herbs and Parmesan, baked until golden and served with a simple tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, fresh flat-leaf parsley, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 12 equal meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle meatballs with 2 tbsp olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C).
  4. Step 4: Simmer 2 cups marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until hot and bubbling.
  5. Step 5: Serve meatballs topped with warm marinara sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Beef Meatballs with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Herb-Infused Beef Meatballs with Parmesan?

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 Herb-Infused Beef Meatballs with Parmesan?

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 Herb-Infused Beef Meatballs with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Herb-Infused Beef Meatballs with Parmesan?

Italian pasta 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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