Baked Meatballs – Flavor-Packed, Oven-Baked, and Perfectly Light

These Baked Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with savory Italian flavor—all without the excess grease of pan-frying. Made with lean ground meat and simple pantry ingredients, they’re the perfect addition to pasta night, meal prep bowls, or as a protein-packed snack. With oven-baking doing most of the work, they’re an easy and health-conscious twist on a classic comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven-Baked & Fuss-Free: No frying means less mess and less fat.
Lean & Juicy: Made with lean meat and still perfectly moist.
Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep or batch cooking.
Versatile: Pair with marinara, zoodles, salads, or wraps.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground chicken (93% lean or higher)
• 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (whole wheat if preferred)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.

2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and all seasonings. Mix gently with clean hands or a fork until just combined—do not overmix.

3. Shape Meatballs
Form mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs (about 1 inch each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on top. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve
Serve hot with your favorite sauce, over spaghetti squash, in lettuce wraps, or as a protein snack with dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 160
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can make meatballs tough—keep it light and gentle.
• Use a Scoop: A small cookie scoop helps make evenly sized meatballs for even cooking.
• Add Veggies: Finely grated zucchini or carrot can be mixed in for extra nutrition.
• Freeze Extras: Let cool, then freeze in a single layer. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Why This Recipe Works

These meatballs use lean ingredients and oven-baking to retain juiciness without extra oil. The result is a flavorful, guilt-free version of a beloved staple that fits into a wide variety of meals.

Baked Meatballs are an easy, wholesome, and family-friendly recipe that delivers bold flavor with a lighter twist. Whether you’re planning dinner, prepping lunches, or looking for a better-for-you appetizer, these meatballs are ready to become a go-to favorite. Easy to make, endlessly versatile, and full of classic comfort—without compromise.