Beef & Pork

Beef And Onion Meatballs

Name: Beef And Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 large onion, grated; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil

By Odette Ainsworth · June 19, 2026 · Beef & Pork

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Beef And Onion Meatballs for my family. The combination of the tender beef, caramelized onions, and rich tomato sauce was a huge hit. Since then, it's become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share the recipe with you.

What I love about this recipe is that it's easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The meatballs are also very versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

The key to making great Beef And Onion Meatballs is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the meat mixture. You want the meatballs to be tender and juicy, not dense and dry. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make the perfect meatballs and provide you with some tips and variations to make the dish your own.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment. So, let's get started and make some delicious Beef And Onion Meatballs!

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that's easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The meatballs are also a great option for meal prep, as they can be cooked and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
The meatballs are tender and juicy, with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
The meatballs are a great option for meal prep, as they can be cooked and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
The recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that's easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
The dish is also budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Beef And Onion Meatballs is to use a combination of ground beef and grated onion, which adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs. The key is to not overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense and dry.

Another important factor is to use the right type of ground beef. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.

The cooking technique is also important. I recommend baking the meatballs in the oven, as this helps to cook them evenly and prevents them from becoming too browned or crispy on the outside.

Finally, the tomato sauce is an essential component of the dish. I recommend using a high-quality canned tomato sauce, as this will add depth and richness to the dish. You can also make your own tomato sauce from scratch, but this will require more time and effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Beef And Onion Meatballs, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, grated onion, breadcrumbs, and tomato sauce. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as salt, pepper, and olive oil.

When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality ground beef and fresh onions. You can also use frozen onions if you prefer, but fresh onions will give the meatballs a better flavor and texture.

1 lb (450g) ground beefI recommend using 80/20 ground beef, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
1 large onion, gratedUse a box grater or food processor to grate the onion. This will help to release the onion's natural juices and add moisture to the meatballs.
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs, as they will help to absorb excess moisture and add texture to the meatballs.
2 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely, as this will help to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the meatballs.
1 eggThe egg will help to bind the meat mixture together and add moisture to the meatballs.
1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauceUse a high-quality canned tomato sauce, as this will add depth and richness to the dish. You can also make your own tomato sauce from scratch, but this will require more time and effort.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoUse dried oregano, as this will add a pungent and earthy flavor to the meatballs.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse plain salt, as this will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper, as this will add a sharp and peppery flavor to the meatballs.
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil, as this will add a rich and fruity flavor to the meatballs.

Ingredients for Beef And Onion Meatballs

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopBaking sheet lined with parchment paperOvenInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Beef And Onion Meatballs

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture.
3
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
5
Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat them evenly.
6
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
7
While the meatballs are baking, heat the tomato sauce in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
8
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the tomato sauce.
9
Let the meatballs simmer in the tomato sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
10
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense and dry.
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the meatballs, as this will help them to be uniform in size and shape.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help them to retain their juices and flavor.
You can also make the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs dense and dry.
Not using high-quality ground beef, which can affect the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
Not letting the meatballs rest before serving, which can cause them to lose their juices and flavor.
Not using enough tomato sauce, which can make the meatballs dry and flavorless.
Not simmering the meatballs in the tomato sauce long enough, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of ground meat, such as pork or turkey, for a different flavor and texture.
Add other ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of tomato sauce, such as arrabbiata or marinara, for a different flavor profile.
Add other seasonings or spices to the meat mixture, such as paprika or cumin, for added depth and complexity.
Serve the meatballs with different sides, such as pasta or roasted vegetables, for a different meal option.
Make the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them for later use, for a convenient and easy meal option.

What to Serve With Beef And Onion Meatballs

Serve the Beef And Onion Meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Some other serving options include serving the meatballs in a sub sandwich, with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, or as a topping for a salad or soup.

Serve with pasta and marinara sauceServe with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetablesServe in a sub sandwich with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauceServe as a topping for a salad or soup

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Beef And Onion Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.

To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer.

To reheat, simply place the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook them.

It's also a good idea to label and date the container or bag, so you can easily keep track of how long the meatballs have been stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. Simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can use different types of ground meat, such as pork or turkey, for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Can I add other ingredients to the meat mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the amount of breadcrumbs and egg accordingly.

Can I serve the meatballs with different sides?

Yes, you can serve the meatballs with a variety of sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Just be sure to choose sides that complement the flavor and texture of the meatballs.

Can I make the meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the meatballs in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the meatballs gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and being careful about cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make the meatballs dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the meatballs dairy-free by using a dairy-free egg substitute and being careful about cross-contamination with dairy-containing ingredients.

Can I make the meatballs vegan?

No, you cannot make the meatballs vegan, as they contain meat and animal products. However, you can make a vegan version of the dish by using plant-based protein sources and vegan-friendly ingredients.

The Full Recipe

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