Ground Meatballs With Ketchup (Printable Recipe)

Juicy meatballs simmered in ketchup sauce perfect for dinner or entertaining guests.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Meatball Mixture

01 - 1 pound ground beef (450 g)
02 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (100 g)
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, chopped
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

→ Sauce

09 - 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
03 - Shape the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
05 - While the meatballs are baking, warm the ketchup in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally.
06 - Transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving plate and drizzle with warm ketchup until evenly coated.
07 - Serve the meatballs hot. Enjoy on their own, with pasta, in sandwiches, or with salad.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Using ground beef with 15–20% fat ensures juicy and flavorful meatballs.
02 - Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
03 - Damp hands make shaping the meatballs easier and cleaner.
04 - Taste a small cooked portion before baking to adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Let meatballs rest a few minutes after baking to retain juices.
06 - Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.