I could eat meatballs from the oven every day

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. **Prepare the Meatball Mixture:**
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the milk and mix until everything is well combined. It’s best to use your hands for this to ensure the mixture is evenly incorporated.

3. **Form the Meatballs:**
Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.

4. **Bake the Meatballs:**
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F for poultry or 160°F for beef).

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with pasta, in a sub roll with marinara sauce, or simply enjoy them with a side of vegetables or salad.

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### **Flavor Variations for Oven-Baked Meatballs**

While the classic meatball recipe is delicious on its own, it’s easy to switch up the flavor profile depending on your mood or the cuisine you’re craving. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

#### **1. Mediterranean Meatballs**
Transform your meatballs into a Mediterranean delight by adding **oregano**, **feta cheese**, and a little bit of **lemon zest** to the mix. Serve them with a side of **tzatziki sauce** and a fresh Greek salad for a meal full of vibrant flavors.

#### **2. BBQ Meatballs**
For a smoky and sweet twist, mix in **barbecue sauce** and **chopped onions** into the meat mixture. After baking, brush the meatballs with additional BBQ sauce for an extra kick. These are perfect served with **coleslaw** or over a bed of rice.

#### **3. Spicy Buffalo Meatballs**
If you love heat, add some **hot sauce** or **cayenne pepper** to the meatball mix, then bake them as usual. Once cooked, toss the meatballs in more **buffalo sauce** and serve with a side of **blue cheese dressing** for dipping.

#### **4. Italian Meatballs**
For a traditional Italian spin, add **basil**, **garlic powder**, and **Italian seasoning** to the meat mixture. Serve the meatballs in **marinara sauce** with a sprinkle of **mozzarella cheese** for the ultimate comfort meal.

#### **5. Sweet and Sour Meatballs**
Give your meatballs a tangy twist by mixing in a bit of **pineapple** and **soy sauce**. Serve them with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a delightful sweet and sour dish that’s both savory and refreshing.

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### **Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Meatballs Every Time**

– **Don’t Overmix the Meat:** When combining your meatball mixture, be sure not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, so gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined.

– **Use Lean Ground Meat for Healthier Meatballs:** For a lighter option, use lean ground turkey or chicken. These meats are lower in fat but still cook up wonderfully when baked.

– **Adjust the Seasoning:** Seasonings can make or break a meatball, so taste the mixture before rolling it into balls. If it’s not flavorful enough, add a pinch more salt, herbs, or spices to taste.

– **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to serve and eat.

– **Freeze for Later:** Make a double batch and freeze half of the meatballs before baking. To freeze, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them solid, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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### **Conclusion:**

There’s no denying it—**meatballs from the oven** are the kind of meal you’ll want to eat every day. They’re flavorful, versatile, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get adventurous with different flavor combinations, meatballs baked in the oven are the perfect go-to meal for any occasion.

So next time you find yourself craving a satisfying, comforting dinner, why not make a batch of oven-baked meatballs? They’ll quickly become a household favorite, and you may just find yourself eating them every day, too!