Savory Oven-Baked Meatballs
Discover the joy of making perfectly succulent meatballs without the hassle of frying! This Savory Oven-Baked Meatballs recipe ensures that your meatballs hold their shape and flavor while baking in the oven. Inspired by a family tradition, these meatballs combine ground turkey or pork with simple, wholesome ingredients – perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Once baked, you can freeze them individually and use them in a variety of dishes, allowing for endless meal possibilities. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to a hearty meatball casserole or barbecue sandwiches, these little flavor-packed morsels will be a hit at your dinner table. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll be a meatball pro in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
1 cup (none)
Finely chopped onion
1/2 cup (none)
Eggs or egg whites
4 eggs or 8 egg whites (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (optional) (none)
Bread, crumbled
6 slices (white or wheat)
Ground turkey or pork
3 lbs (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, finely chopped onion, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
3
Stir in the crumbled bread and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, which will help the bread absorb the liquid.
4
Add the ground turkey or pork to the bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Shape the mixture into 96 small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
6
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. You can cut one in half to check for doneness.
8
If you have excess unbaked meat mixture, refrigerate it until you're ready to bake more.
9
For a healthier option, consider placing the meatballs on a rack over a shallow pan to catch drippings. Adding water to the pan will help prevent smoking.
10
Once done, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving or freezing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Oven-Baked Meatballs?
They are succulent, flavor-packed meatballs made with ground turkey or pork, baked in the oven to hold their shape without the need for frying.
What is the main benefit of baking meatballs instead of frying them?
Baking allows the meatballs to maintain their shape and flavor while being a less messy and potentially healthier alternative to traditional frying.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use 3 lbs of either ground turkey or ground pork for this recipe.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 96 small meatballs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs typically bake for 20 to 30 minutes until they are cooked through.
Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes, you can use either 4 whole eggs or 8 egg whites as a binder.
What is the purpose of soaking the bread in milk?
Allowing the crumbled bread to sit in the milk mixture for 5 minutes helps it absorb moisture, ensuring the meatballs stay succulent.
How large should each meatball be?
The mixture should be shaped into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
What kind of bread should I use?
You can use 6 slices of either white or wheat bread, crumbled into the mixture.
Is the salt in the recipe mandatory?
No, the 2 teaspoons of salt are optional depending on your dietary preferences.
How can I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?
You should place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased surface.
Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?
Yes, these meatballs are perfect for freezing individually to be used in future meals.
How should I freeze the meatballs?
Once baked and cooled, you can freeze them individually for easy portioning in later dishes.
What are some serving suggestions for these meatballs?
They are great for classic spaghetti and meatballs, meatball casseroles, or barbecue sandwiches.
Can I check for doneness without a thermometer?
Yes, you can cut one meatball in half to ensure it is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
What should I do if I have extra raw meat mixture?
Any excess unbaked mixture should be refrigerated until you are ready to bake the next batch.
How can I make this recipe even healthier?
Consider placing the meatballs on a rack over a shallow pan to allow fat drippings to fall away from the meat.
How do I prevent the pan from smoking while baking?
If using a rack and pan method, adding a little water to the bottom pan will help prevent the drippings from smoking.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
With a yield of 96 meatballs, this recipe is ideal for feeding a large group or for party appetizers.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the milk and egg mixture.
Should I mix the ingredients with a spoon?
For the best results, it is recommended to mix the meat and ingredients thoroughly using your hands.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe suitable for busy weeknights.
Can I use ground beef instead?
While the recipe specifies turkey or pork, ground beef is a common substitution in meatball recipes.
How much milk is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk.
How much ground meat do I need?
The recipe requires 3 lbs of ground turkey or pork.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Can these be used for appetizers?
Absolutely, their small size makes them perfect party food or bite-sized appetizers.
How long should the meatballs cool?
Allow them to cool slightly after removing them from the oven before serving or freezing.
What is the texture of these meatballs?
The combination of soaked bread and baking ensures a succulent and tender texture.