These juicy pork meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. Baking them in the oven is super easy, so I make them often for dinner. They're ready in less than 30 minutes, and the only ingredients you'll need are ground pork and spices.
These juicy and flavorful pork meatballs are one of my go-to weeknight dinners. They are delicious, easy to make, and go with just about any side dish you can think of. To make them, you will mix ground pork with a few spices, shape the mixture into meatballs, and bake. Easy!
Ingredients
Here's an overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.
- Ground pork: I use lean ground pork, which is typically an 85/15 mixture of lean and fat.
- To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, and lots of spices, including onion and garlic powders, paprika, dried thyme, coriander, and cumin.
Variations
- For a slightly smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika. Chili powder is another good option.
- Sometimes, I replace the coriander with dried oregano or thyme.
- Add ¼ cup of minced fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
- Add moisture to the meatballs with a tablespoon of mayonnaise. If you do this, the mixture might become a bit sticky. Simply use moistened hands to form the meatballs.
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making these meatballs:
Your first step is to combine the ground pork and spices.
Form the mixture into meatballs. It's easier to shape them if you slightly moisten your hands with water. Arrange the meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet lined with heatproof parchment paper or lightly greased 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.
Recipe Tips
- Handle the meatballs lightly to make sure they are not too dense. Don't over-mix the ingredients, and when shaping the meatballs, try to use a light touch.
- Sometimes, when pressed for time or just feeling lazy, I take a package of pork sausage, shape the mixture into meatballs, and bake them! These one-ingredient meatballs are a bit less flavorful than the original recipe, and they're also paler, as the photo below shows. However, they are still delicious and so, so easy.
Featured Comment
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. - Lucille
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Recipe FAQs
Of course! I almost always use the oven when I make meatballs, with the exception of spicy meatballs, chicken meatballs, and turkey meatballs. I love baked meatballs in general, not just these. They are easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. The kids love them, of course, but so do the grownups!
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.
Yes, you can use ground beef - just make sure it contains at least 15% fat to help the meatballs remain juicy. You can also try these recipes for baked meatballs, Asian meatballs, or keto meatballs. They are made with ground beef.
Serving Suggestions
Pork meatballs are versatile and can be served with any of your favorite side dishes. Since I bake them in a 400°F oven, I like to serve them with a side dish I can bake in the same oven, such as:
- Roasted asparagus
- Roasted carrots
- Jicama fries
- Broccoli bites
- Roasted mini sweet peppers
- Roasted cabbage, as shown in the image below:
It's also nice to serve them with a dipping sauce. In the photo above, I used store-bought harissa. Other tasty options include sriracha mayo drizzled on the meatballs (as shown in the photo below - note that those are the one-ingredient meatballs), sour cream dip, or ranch dressing.
Storing Leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them, covered, in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze the cooled leftovers in freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge.
I love having the leftovers the next day for lunch! I make a plate like the one shown below, with these meatballs, plus veggies and quick pickles (or store-bought pickles).
Recipe Card
Juicy Pork Meatballs
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground pork - 85/15
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt - or 1 teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme - dried
- 1 teaspoon coriander - ground
- 1 teaspoon cumin - ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with heatproof parchment paper or nonstick foil.
- In a large bowl, use your clean hands to combine the ground pork, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, coriander, and cumin.
- Shape the mixture into 32 meatballs, each weighing about 1 ounce (30 grams). It's easier to shape the meatballs if your hands are moistened.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs until they are browned and cooked through, for about 15 minutes. Their internal temperature should reach 160°F. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Handle the meatballs lightly to make sure they are not too dense. Don't over-mix the ingredients, and when shaping the meatballs, try to use a light touch.
- For a slightly smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika. Chili powder is another good option.
- Sometimes, I add moisture to the meatballs with a tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Sometimes, when pressed for time or just feeling lazy, I take a package of pork sausage, shape the mixture into meatballs, and bake them! These one-ingredient meatballs are a bit less flavorful than the original recipe, and they're also paler. However, they are still delicious and so, so easy.
- It's nice to serve these meatballs with a dipping sauce like harissa, sriracha mayo, sour cream dip, or ranch dressing.
- You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them, covered, in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze the cooled leftovers in freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition per Serving
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D says
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!
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm so glad you like these meatballs! Thank you for sharing your additions.
Clyde says
How do these do in a recipe like baked ziti?
Vered DeLeeuw says
Hi Clyde,
Sorry - I can't help you here as I haven't tried that.
Cathy Turner says
These meatballs, we feel, have a better flavor than traditional beef meatballs.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I agree! I'm so glad you enjoyed these meatballs, Cathy. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
Hettie says
Easy and delicious! Thanks!
Vered DeLeeuw says
You're very welcome, Hettie! Thank you for leaving a comment.
Cheryl says
I love these pork meatballs and that they don't have unhealthy fillers. I did not have coriander, so followed your advice on substituting.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm so glad you enjoy these meatballs, Cheryl, and that the substitutions worked for you!
Lucille says
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.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm so glad you and your family enjoy these meatballs, Lucille!
Monica says
Simple and so yummy. Even my notoriously difficult to please husband liked them. Thank you for the recipe.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm so glad this was a success, Monica!
Wayne Howell says
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.
Vered DeLeeuw says
Pork shoulder would work best in this recipe. I would grind it fine, similar to store-bought ground pork.
Jean says
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.
Vered DeLeeuw says
So glad you like these meatballs, Jean!
Joanne Davies says
Absolutely delicious! My family loved these meatballs. Thank you!
Vered DeLeeuw says
So glad you liked these pork meatballs, Joanne! My family loves them too.