Best Easy Polpette di Carne al Forno Recipe

Baked meatballs are a lighter, healthier take on the Italian family favorite. This high protein mediterranean dish is fresh, freezer-friendly, and perfect for a family dinner on a calorie deficit.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 290 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #freezer friendly #family dinner
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef (90% lean) 1 lb
  • Italian breadcrumbs 0.5 cup
  • Parmesan cheese, grated 0.33 cup
  • whole milk 0.25 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • yellow onion, finely chopped 0.5 cup
  • fresh parsley, chopped 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 18%
Protein 25 g 35%
Fat 14 g 47%
Serving size 170g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil onto it for even baking.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, eggs, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined—do not overwork to maintain tenderness.

  3. 3

    Scoop mixture and shape into 15 meatballs, about 2 tbsp each. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. 4

    Brush the tops of the meatballs lightly with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil for golden color and moisture retention.

  5. 5

    Bake for 18–22 minutes or until meatballs register 165°F internally, turning the tray halfway through for even roasting. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in Best Easy Polpette di Carne al Forno Recipe is lean ground beef, which provides the signature savory flavor and a high protein content. Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley also play important roles in achieving the authentic Italian taste and tender texture.
Q. What are essential tips for baking juicy meatballs?
Avoid overmixing the ingredients, as gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender. Brushing olive oil on top helps preserve moisture. Baking at 400°F and using parchment paper promote even browning without dryness—be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q. How can I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?
To prevent dryness, mix with care and incorporate milk and eggs for extra moisture. Baking instead of pan-frying reduces excess fat loss, and monitoring the baking time prevents overcooking. Letting the meatballs rest briefly before serving helps retain juiciness.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein content per serving?
Each serving (170g) of this recipe provides about 290 kcal and 25g protein, making it a high-protein, lighter choice suitable for calorie-conscious eaters. Carbohydrates are moderate at 13g per serving, with fat contributing about 14g.
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