Oven Baked Meatballs: How Long to Cook Them at 350 Degrees

If you are making oven baked meatballs and are wondering how long you need to cook them, you came to the right place. After all of the Italian meatballs I’ve been making lately, I consider myself a meatball expert.

A good rule of thumb is to bake meatballs for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Every oven is different, so the cooking time will not be the same for everyone. You will know the meatballs are ready when the internal temperature of the meatballs is 165 degrees. You can test the temperature of the meatballs by sticking an instant-read thermometer into the center of the meatball.

Since you came here today wondering how to bake meatballs in the oven, that’s what we are going to talk about.

I’m not saying it’s the best way to cook meatballs or even that 350 degrees is the best temperature for cooking meatballs. But if you want to make some homemade oven baked meatballs, this is a great way to put together a quick meal that everyone will enjoy.

I am going to share a recipe with you so you can make some really delicious meatballs. I might be a little biased, but I think they are the best-baked meatballs around.

You’ll probably get about 2 dozen meatballs from this recipe. It’s really simple and only takes about 20 minutes of actual prep time. While the meatballs are cooking, pour yourself a glass of red wine, sit back, and enjoy the aroma.

Why 350 Degrees is the Sweet Spot for Oven Baked Meatballs

Baking meatballs at 350°F is ideal because it allows for even cooking while retaining juiciness. This temperature ensures that the outside develops a golden crust without drying out the interior. It’s the perfect balance between thorough cooking and flavor preservation.

Essential Ingredients for Meatballs Baked at 350 Degrees

Creating flavorful and juicy meatballs at 350°F requires just a few high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why they matter, along with some tips for the best results.

Meat

• Suggested Blend: A mix of ground beef and ground pork delivers the perfect combination of flavor and texture.
  • Beef provides richness, while pork adds moisture and depth.
• Tip: If you prefer, you can use just beef, but including pork elevates the flavor.

Garlic

• Use fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped, to add robust flavor.
• Tip: Avoid garlic powder for this recipe—it won’t provide the same fresh and aromatic quality as chopped cloves.

Parsley

• Opt for flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped finely for an herbaceous note.
• Tip: Fresh parsley enhances the overall flavor. Avoid dried parsley, as it lacks the same vibrant taste.

Grated Cheese

• Choose a high-quality Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
  • Grate it fresh from a chunk for the best flavor and texture.
• Tip: Avoid pre-grated cheese, which often contains additives that affect its melting quality.

Breadcrumbs

• Quick and Easy Option: Store-bought breadcrumbs are a convenient choice.
• Flavor Boost: If you have time, use 72-hour fermented pizza bianca:
  • Cut it into cubes and soak in milk to enhance the flavor and create a moist texture.
• Tip: This extra step with pizza bianca is worth the effort if you’re looking for a gourmet touch.

Eggs

• Fresh eggs act as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together.
• Tip: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and consistency.

Seasoning

• Stick with Kosher salt and black pepper for a simple and classic flavor.
• Optional: If you’re a fan of extra herbs, add a pinch of Italian seasoning—though the base recipe doesn’t require it.

Pro Tips for Success

• Balance the Fat Content: The pork in the meat mixture adds fat, preventing dry meatballs.
• Even Flavor Distribution: Mix all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that each meatball is packed with flavor.
• Prep Ahead: If using pizza bianca, soak it in milk while preparing the other ingredients to save time.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Oven Baked Meatballs at 350 Degrees

Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat. A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking as soon as your meatballs are ready to go in.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients: ground meat (beef and pork), breadcrumbs, grated cheese, parsley, garlic, eggs, and seasonings.
• Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. For best results, use your hands for m

Shape the Meatballs

• Once the mixture is well-combined, begin forming the meatballs. The ideal size is about the size of a golf ball, approximately 2 ounces each. If you have a cookie scoop, use it for uniform meatballs—this ensures even cooking.

Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• If using aluminum foil, lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking.

Place the Meatballs on the Baking Sheet

• Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each meatball to allow air to circulate. This helps them cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.

Bake the Meatballs

• Place the sheet pan in the preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice, golden crust.

Check for Doneness

• Remove the meatballs from the oven and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F. This ensures the meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Meatballs

• Overcrowding the Pan: Crowded meatballs steam instead of baking, resulting in a lack of browning.
• Skipping the Thermometer: Always use a thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to 165°F.
• Overmixing the Meat: This leads to tough, rubbery meatballs.

How to Add More Flavor to Oven Baked Meatballs

• Experiment with Cheese: Add small cubes of mozzarella to the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
• Try Different Meats: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for unique flavor profiles.
• Incorporate Spices: Fennel seeds, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes add depth.

Serving Oven Baked Meatballs for Any Occasion

Oven baked meatballs are versatile, perfect for family dinners or party platters. Here are ideas to make them shine for any occasion.

• Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve with marinara sauce over pasta.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair with sautéed green beans or zucchini noodles.
• Appetizer: Glaze the meatballs with BBQ sauce or teriyaki for a party platter.

FAQs: Oven Baked Meatballs at 350 Degrees

Can I freeze the meatballs after they are cooked?

Yes. I love leftover oven baked meatballs. If you make a large batch, let your cooked meatballs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Keep them in the freezer for up to three months. Frozen meatballs are perfect for a quick, hassle-free meal.

Can I freeze my meatballs in sauce?

Yes. You can prepare oven baked meatballs with sauce in advance. Place them in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish, add tomato sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to eat, transfer the frozen dish straight into the oven to bake.

Do I have to serve the meatballs with pasta?

No. Oven baked meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a main course with roasted vegetables, or pair them with sautéed broccoli rabe or green beans. They are also a great low-carb option if you’re trying to cut back on pasta.

Do I have to cook my meatballs at 350 degrees?

No. While 350°F is the ideal temperature for perfectly cooked oven baked meatballs, you can adjust based on the size of your meatballs and desired cooking time. For smaller meatballs or quicker cooking, bake at 375°F or 400°F, reducing the baking time. Larger meatballs will require slightly more time at 350°F.

Can I make meatballs with different types of meat?

Yes. This recipe works perfectly with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try chicken or turkey oven baked meatballs, which are lower in fat but still delicious. Vegetarian meatballs made from meat substitutes can also work; just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

Can I substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic?

Yes. If you prefer garlic powder, use about ⅛ teaspoon for every clove of fresh garlic. However, fresh garlic adds a more robust flavor to your oven baked meatballs.

How many meatballs should I make per person?

The general rule is to prepare 2–3 two-ounce oven baked meatballs per person when serving with pasta. If serving them as a main course or appetizer, aim for 4–6 meatballs per person to satisfy your guests.

Perfectly Baked Meatballs at 350°F Every Time

Baking meatballs at 350°F is an easy and foolproof way to create a flavorful, juicy dish. Whether served with pasta, as an appetizer, or frozen for future meals, this method ensures consistently delicious results.

Ready to give it a try? Share your experience and any twists you’ve added to the recipe in the comments. For more Italian-American recipes, check out the rest of our site!