Simple Beef Meatballs
Clean, lean beef meatballs made with fresh parsley, onion, and Italian herbs — perfect for meal prep and paired with your favourite sauce.
Ingredients
- 500g lean beef mince
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 15g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian mixed herbs
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Serves: 15 meatballs
Method
- Preheat the oven — Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 400°F / Gas Mark 6). Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Mix the meatball mixture — Add the beef mince to a large mixing bowl along with the diced onion, chopped parsley, Italian mixed herbs, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until everything is evenly distributed. Avoid over-working the mince — stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Shape the meatballs — Divide the mixture into 15 equal portions (roughly 33g each). Roll each portion into a ball between your palms and place onto the lined baking tray, leaving a little space between each one. Wet your hands so it binds
- Bake — Place the tray in the centre of the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through with a lightly golden exterior. Turn them halfway through for even cooking.
- Rest and serve — Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Pair with your favourite sauce, pasta, or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
Per Meatball
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 1.8g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.5g |
Per Batch (15 meatballs)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 750 kcal |
| Total Protein | 120g |
| Total Fat | 27g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.5g |
Nutritional values based on lean beef mince (under 10% fat)
Cooking Tips
- No breadcrumbs or egg needed — keeping it simple lets the beef flavour shine
- Using lean mince (under 10% fat) keeps these light without sacrificing juiciness when handled gently
- Don’t over-work the mixture when combining — this keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming dense
- Leave space between meatballs on the tray for even heat circulation and browning
Alternative Cooking Method
Pan-fry option: Sear in a hot pan with a little oil for 2–3 minutes per side for a deeper crust, then finish in the oven for 10–12 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara or tomato-based sauce
- Pair with pasta or rice
- Use in meatball subs with crusty bread
- Enjoy with a side salad for a lighter meal
- Perfect for meal prep — store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
SEO Blabber
Simple beef meatballs are a versatile meal prep staple and protein-rich option for anyone focused on lean nutrition and fitness. This easy meatball recipe uses just five ingredients—lean beef mince, fresh parsley, onion, Italian herbs, and basic seasoning—making it perfect for batch cooking on a Wednesday. Whether you’re looking for high-protein meal prep ideas, healthy meatball recipes, or simple beef dishes that fit a clean eating approach, these homemade meatballs deliver flavour without unnecessary fillers. Ideal for pairing with marinara sauce, pasta, or crusty bread, this minimal-ingredient recipe proves that quality meatballs don’t need breadcrumbs or egg binders. Great for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone tracking macros through nutrition apps like Chronometer. Make a batch of 15 meatballs for consistent meal prep portions throughout your week.