Mini Meatballs with Parmesan and Italian Seasoning Recipe
These Mini Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring tender ground beef or turkey mixed with flavorful herbs, cheese, and spices. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 mini meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature before cooking the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
- These meatballs can be frozen before baking for meal prep convenience; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
