You’ll love this little trick for how to bake meatballs that are just as crispy and amazing as pan fried.
There’s something familiar and happy about making meatballs. They don’t call them comfort food for nothing, right? Baking flavorful meatballs is on today’s to-do list which can be way easier than traditional pan-frying.
You don’t need to, they can go straight into a recipe. But browning them will add to the flavour profile and therefore if you have time, it’s great to do it! Should you cook meatballs before putting in sauce?
How to Bake Perfect Meatballs
First, make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine your meat mixture (I’m using beef and pork but you could lighten it up with some ground turkey), along with bread crumbs, an egg, chopped onion, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls, a cookie scoop can be handy to get consistent portions. Then place them on the prepared baking sheet. I have never had a problem using parchment paper for this. However, it’s true that parchment paper is not deemed safe under the broiler. It is therefore probably safer to use aluminum foil with cooking spray and the meat won’t stick to it, or won’t stick badly.
Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F, then broil them for another 5-10 minutes to make sure they get that deliciously crispy crust like pan frying gives them. Baking them gives the meatballs a little more flavor without additional oil since you are searing the outside under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure you bake them on a really heavy-duty baking sheet like this one.
The results? Tender meatballs with some crispy browning on the outside, ready to be enjoyed in all sorts of ways.
Bonus Tip: After you add the salt and pepper and mix, take a bit of the mixture (like the size of a quarter) and put it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it until no longer pink, about 20-30 seconds. Taste it to find out if you have enough seasoning in your mixture.
I like to bake extra batches of meatballs and freeze them in resealable bags once they’ve cooled. They’ll keep for up to six months in the freezer which means your family can satisfy that meatball craving any time, any day with very little work. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Meatball Subs, you’ll be ready for anything.
Here’s A Video Showing How To Bake Meatballs:
Well, the classic method of cooking meatballs is pan-frying. While that method produces amazing results, it also means you need to stand over the stove and flip them while they cook.
I really like to bake my meatballs, especially if I’m wanting to make a lot at once. It takes a little longer, but once they are in the oven your hands are free to do other things, like get the pasta boiling, make your marinara sauce, and perhaps get some garlic bread going. Yum!
Find all our meatball recipes and methods on the meatball recipe page.
Why You Should Be Browning Your Meatballs and the Best Methods to Do It
FAQ
Do meatballs need to be browned?
Why do you sear meatballs?
Should you cook meatballs before cooking?
Mistake: Cooking meatballs immediately after rolling them. Tip: Whether you’re baking, broiling, pan-searing or adding meatballs directly to simmering liquid, always chill meatballs before cooking so that they hold their shape better and don’t fall apart.
Do meatballs need to be seared before baking?
Pan searing meatballs results in more caramelization and cook more quickly while baking gives you a crunchy, golden brown exterior and juicy center. Baking takes a bit longer but is completely hands off once they go in the oven. You need to watch seared meatballs closely and turn them off.
Should you bake meatballs in a broiler?
Baking them gives the meatballs a little more flavor without additional oil since you are searing the outside under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure you bake them on a really heavy-duty baking sheet like this one. The results?
How do you cook meatballs in the oven?
Use your hands to roll the meat mixture into a round ball. Place the meatballs on your pre-prepared baking sheet with parchment paper. Be sure to arrange the meatballs with plenty of space in between them to be cooked evenly. Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes at 400 degrees. The meatballs should be nicely browned and juicy.