Pork Meatballs

Name: Pork Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 lb. ground pork (85/15 ); 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon of fine salt ); 1/2 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)

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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.

Pork meatballs served in a white bowl with parsley for garnish.

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. 🥗

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Ingredients
Instructions
Expert tip
Frequently asked questions
Variations
Serving suggestions
Storing leftovers
Related recipes
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!

A six-photo collage showing the steps for making pork meatballs.

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.