How Long to Bake Meatballs: Easy Oven Guide & Recipe
Master how to bake meatballs with this simple guide. Find out how long to bake meatballs at 400°F for juicy, tender results every time you cook.
Servings: 4
Calories: 462kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.1 lb minced turkey (or chicken, beef, or pork — see variations below)
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots grated
- 2 potatoes peeled and grated (excess water squeezed out)
- 2 eggs
- 5 garlic cloves grated
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prep your oven and tray. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients. Combine the turkey, onion, grated potato (squeezed dry), carrots, eggs, garlic, and parsley in a large bowl. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — overmixing makes the meatballs tough.1.1 lb minced turkey (or chicken, beef, or pork — see variations below), 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 potatoes, 2 eggs, 5 garlic cloves, 1 small bunch fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika
- Chill the mixture (optional but recommended). Rest the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping. This helps the meatballs hold together better during baking and results in a juicier texture.
- Shape the meatballs. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter — roughly the size of a golf ball. Use a cookie scoop for even sizing, which ensures they all finish cooking at the same time.
- Bake. Place on the prepared tray with space between each meatball. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown on the outside.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) at the centre. This is the food-safe temperature for all poultry meatballs. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open — the inside should be completely opaque with no pink remaining.
- Rest and serve. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- Choose your preferred minced meat (turkey, chicken, beef, or pork).
- Squeeze out excess water from the grated potatoes to prevent the mixture from being too wet.
- Combine ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough meatballs.
- Use a small bowl of water to wet your hands while shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) on the grill setting for even cooking.
- UK oven: 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas 6 for 20–25 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the meatballs during baking and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve these meatballs over pasta, in a sandwich, or with sides like roasted vegetables or rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 985mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5486IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 4mg
