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3-Ingredient Meatballs Recipe (Easy & Quick)

3-Ingredient Meatballs Recipe (Easy & Quick)

Tender baked beef meatballs made with only ground beef, an egg, and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. They are ready in about 25–30 minutes and can be served with marinara, pasta, or your favorite side.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450 g) Ground beef, preferably 80–85% lean
  • 1 large Large egg
  • 1/2 cup (about 50–60 g) Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the meatballs release easily after baking.
  2. Add the ground beef, egg, and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to a large bowl. Mix gently with clean hands or a fork just until the ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. A small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure helps create 18–24 evenly sized meatballs.
  4. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once if desired, until browned and cooked through.
  5. Check that the centers reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Serve the meatballs plain, with marinara sauce, or over pasta.

Notes

Do not knead or overmix the beef mixture because this can make the meatballs dense and tough. Store cooled meatballs in the refrigerator and reheat gently in sauce or in the oven until hot.