Taste the Tradition: Illinois’ Best Oven-Baked Italian Beef Meatball Recipe

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In Illinois, where hearty meals and rich flavors are a cornerstone of Midwestern cuisine, Italian beef meatballs hold a special place. Whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these oven-baked Italian beef meatballs bring a taste of Italy straight to the heart of Illinois. Packed with juicy beef, savory spices, and rich parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for those looking for a comforting, quick, and satisfying meal. Each bite is loaded with traditional flavors that make this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers.

A Bite of Illinois Tradition
Illinois has a deep-rooted connection to Italian cuisine, particularly in cities like Chicago, where Italian beef sandwiches and classic meatballs reign supreme. These oven-baked Italian beef meatballs are a tribute to that culinary heritage. Combining simple ingredients such as ground beef, garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs, this dish delivers robust flavor without the hassle of complicated prep. The best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or an impromptu dinner party.

Recipe: Oven-Baked Italian Beef Meatballs, Illinois Style
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/4 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs with milk, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes so the crumbs can fully absorb the liquid.
3. Add ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and parsley into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently combine everything with your hands, making sure not to overmix.
4. Scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping each portion into meatballs approximately 2 inches in diameter using wet hands to avoid sticking.
5. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove them from the oven and drain any excess fat.
6. Serve the meatballs with pasta, crusty bread, or a simple salad, and enjoy the bold flavors they offer.

These tender, flavorful meatballs are ideal for various occasions. Pair them with a classic marinara sauce, serve them over a bed of pasta, or tuck them into a sandwich with provolone cheese for a true Midwestern feast. The combination of savory beef, garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs brings a balance of flavors that will make these meatballs a family favorite.

Bring a little bit of Illinois comfort food into your home with this recipe, where classic ingredients meet unbeatable flavor. Whether it’s for a weeknight meal or meal prep for the week, these oven-baked Italian beef meatballs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Here’s a flavorful take on the oven-baked Italian beef meatball recipe, a dish that combines hearty ingredients and traditional Italian flavors to create a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. These meatballs are perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or even served as part of a larger gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/4 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prep your oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
2. Combine ingredients: Mix bread crumbs and milk in a bowl, letting them soak for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, parmesan, and parsley. Gently combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve these juicy meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti or crusty bread for a complete meal. Alternatively, they make for delicious meatball subs!

For more recipe inspiration, check out (Allrecipes)ps​(The Real Food Dietitians)68249​(RecipeTin Eats)alls/), The Real Food Dietitians, or RecipeTin Eats.