Delicious, juicy pork meatballs are a crowd pleaser. Baking them in the oven is so easy, I make them quite often for dinner.
These super juicy, flavorful pork meatballs are one of my go-to weeknight dinners. They are easy, tasty, and they go with just about any side one can imagine, though more often than not I simply serve them with a big salad.
How do you make pork meatballs?
Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed instructions. But this is as easy as can be. Simply mix ground pork with a few spices, shape into pork meatballs, then bake.
Some evenings, when I’m extra lazy, I use pre-seasoned pork sausage meat from Whole Foods, shape it into meatballs and bake. Dinner doesn’t get any easier than this!
Can you bake meatballs?
Of course! I almost always bake my meatballs, with the notable exception of these very flavorful spicy meatballs. I love baked meatballs in general, not just these pork meatballs. They are so easy to make, and a real crowd pleaser. The kids love them, of course, but so do the grownups!
Is this a healthy recipe?
I believe it is. These baked pork meatballs are healthy and paleo. I don’t add breadcrumbs to the pork mixture, and I don’t think it’s necessary. So the only ingredients are pork and spices.
I know that some consider pork to be inferior meat, but I believe that fresh unprocessed pork is healthy and nutritious, especially modern pork, which is much cleaner than pork used to be. The USDA says, “Much progress has been made in reducing trichinosis in grain-fed hogs and human cases have greatly declined since 1950. Today’s pork can be safely enjoyed when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.” (However, ground pork should still be cooked to 160°F).
How to serve pork meatballs
Serve them with any of your favorite side dishes – they are very versatile. I often serve them with roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots.
What about leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, they keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave on 50% power. I love having them the next day for my lunch – I make a plate with these pork meatballs, some hard boiled eggs, Dijon mustard, fresh cut veggies, and quick pickles.
More meatball recipes you might enjoy
I usually make beef meatballs and sometimes chicken meatballs. Lamb meatballs with yogurt sauce are another big favorite. All of them are wonderful. But I do find that pork meatballs are extra juicy.
Pork Meatballs
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lb. ground pork
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, use your clean hands to mix together all the ingredients. Shape into 32 meatballs, each weighing about 1 oz (30 grams).
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
