Home » Meat Recipes » Pork Meatballs
Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
These juicy pork meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. Baking them in the oven is super easy, so I make them quite often for dinner.
They're ready in less than 30 minutes, and the only ingredients you'll need are ground pork and spices.
These super juicy, flavorful meatballs are one of my go-to weeknight dinners. They are easy to make and very tasty, and they go with just about any side dish one can imagine.
Although more often than not, to make things truly easy for myself, I simply serve them with a big salad! This arugula salad is a fine choice and so is this cucumber tomato salad. 🥗
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Expert tip
- Frequently asked questions
- Variations
- Serving suggestions
- Storing leftovers
- Related recipes
- Foodie Newsletter
- Recipe Card
Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make these tasty pork meatballs. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
Ground pork: I use lean ground pork, which is typically an 85/15 mixture.
Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you might want to reduce the amount you use, or the meatballs could end up too salty.
Lots of spices: Onion and garlic powders, sweet paprika, dried thyme, coriander, and cumin.
Instructions
Making these pork meatballs is so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:
Your first step is to simply mix everything together, then form the mixture into meatballs. It's easier to shape them if you slightly moisten your hands with water.
Next, arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure your baking sheet is rimmed. You should also make sure that the parchment paper can withstand this temperature (check on the package). If unsure, use nonstick foil.
Bake the meatballs until they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 15 minutes in a 400°F oven, and they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Some evenings, when I'm extra lazy, I use pre-seasoned sausage meat from Whole Foods, shape it into meatballs and bake them. Dinner doesn't get any easier than this!
Expert tip
Handle the meatballs as lightly as you can to ensure they are not too dense. Don't over-mix the ingredients, and when shaping the meatballs, try to use a light touch.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really bake meatballs?
Of course! I actually almost always use the oven when I make meatballs, with the notable exception of these very flavorful spicy meatballs.
I love baked meatballs in general, not just these. They are so easy to make, and a real crowd-pleaser. The kids love them, of course, but so do the grownups!
Should I add an egg?
There's no need to add an egg. All you need are ground pork and spices. The meatballs hold their shape well so there's no need for any additional ingredients.
Can I use ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground beef - just make sure it contains at least 15% fat and preferably 20%. This will help ensure the meatballs are juicy.
Variations
I almost always make this recipe as written. But here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:
- You can use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika. Chili powder is another good option.
- Replace the coriander with dried oregano or dried thyme.
- Add ¼ cup of minced fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
- Add moisture to the meatballs by adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream to the mixture. If you do this, the mixture might become a bit sticky. Simply use moistened hands to form the meatballs.
Serving suggestions
You can serve these pork meatballs with any of your favorite side dishes - they are very versatile. I often serve them with roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots.
It's also nice to serve them with a dipping sauce. I like to mix ¼ cup of sour cream with 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
Storing leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they keep well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave on 50% power.
I love having them the next day for my lunch. I make a plate with these meatballs, some hard-boiled eggs, Dijon mustard, fresh-cut veggies, and quick pickles.
- Turkey Meatballs
- Cocktail Meatballs
- Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
Recipe Card
4.99 from 1686 votes
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
Pork Meatballs
These juicy pork meatballs are a crowd pleaser. Baking them in the oven is so easy!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 298kcal
Author: Vered DeLeeuw
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground pork 85/15
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1 teaspoon of fine salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon coriander ground
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with heatproof parchment paper or nonstick foil.
In a large bowl, use your clean hands to mix together all the ingredients.
Shape the mixture into 32 meatballs, each weighing about 1 oz (30 grams). It's easier to shape the meatballs if your hands are wet.
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake them until browned and cooked through, for about 15 minutes.
Video
Notes
Handle the meatballs as lightly as you can to ensure they are not too dense. Don't over-mix the ingredients, and when shaping the meatballs, try to use a light touch.
Make sure your baking sheet is rimmed. You should also make sure that the parchment paper can withstand this temperature (check on the package). If unsure, use nonstick foil.
Handle the meatballs as lightly as you can to ensure they are not too dense. Don't over-mix the ingredients, and when shaping the meatballs, try to use a light touch.
Add Your Own Notes
Click here to add your own private notes. They're only visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they'll be lost.
Nutrition per Serving
Serving: 4meatballs | Calories: 298kcal | Protein: 19g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 343mg
Subscribe
I send out a weekly newsletter with a recipe and tips. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.
Disclaimers
Most of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.
❤️ Let's connect! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter.
More Meat Recipes
- Beef Shanks
- Ham Steak
- Picanha Steak Recipe
- Perfect New York Strip Steak
About the Author
Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Todd French
Ok, absolutely extraordinary, truly. I added 1/2 cup panko and 1/4 cup grana padano as well, and they were so incredible (on top of Italian wedding soup-inspired risotto) I know that next time I'll make a triple batch, freeze some, whatever, as they are so delicious and addictive, even cold. Brava.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
Yay! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed these meatballs so much, Todd!
Thanks for the detailed feedback. I appreciate it.Reply
D
Love this meatballs recipe!
Very tasty and moist.
I added 3 small shredded golden potatoes for moisture.
I added Parmesan shredded cheese and Reggiano fresh shredded cheese.
So good!Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm so glad you like these meatballs! Thank you for sharing your additions.
Reply
Clyde
How do these do in a recipe like baked ziti?
Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Clyde,
Sorry - I can't help you here as I haven't tried that.Reply
Cathy Turner
These meatballs, we feel, have a better flavor than traditional beef meatballs.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I agree! I'm so glad you enjoyed these meatballs, Cathy. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
Reply
Hettie
Easy and delicious! Thanks!Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
You're very welcome, Hettie! Thank you for leaving a comment.
Reply
Cheryl
I love these pork meatballs and that they don't have unhealthy fillers. I did not have coriander, so followed your advice on substituting.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm so glad you enjoy these meatballs, Cheryl, and that the substitutions worked for you!
Reply
Lucille
These are delicious! I've been making these meatballs for four years for our annual family 4th of July party. My family loves them so much I double the recipe for leftovers.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm so glad you and your family enjoy these meatballs, Lucille!
Reply
Monica
Simple and so yummy. Even my notoriously difficult to please husband liked them. Thank you for the recipe.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm so glad this was a success, Monica!
Reply
Wayne Howell
What is the best cut of pork to use for this recipe? I will also grind my own pork. Would you grind it fine or a little coarse? Thanks.
Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
Pork shoulder would work best in this recipe. I would grind it fine, similar to store-bought ground pork.
Reply
Jean
Easy and tasty! Used them in a few different meals and enjoyed them. Love the simplicity and not adding all the normal extras that often are in meatballs recipes.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
So glad you like these meatballs, Jean!
Reply
Joanne Davies
Absolutely delicious! My family loved these meatballs. Thank you!Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
So glad you liked these pork meatballs, Joanne! My family loves them too.
Reply