Easy oven-baked Italian meatballs made with lean beef, Parmesan, raisins, and pine nuts. Juicy, flavourful, and perfect for pasta, meal prep, or freezing.
I’d love your feedback – just click on the stars to rate this recipe! ⭐
Soak the raisins: Place the sultanas (golden raisins) in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, then drain well. This makes them extra plump and tender.
Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, salt, pepper, tomato paste, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, sultanas, pine nuts, and ground beef. Add the cooled onion. Finally, mix in the breadcrumbs. Tip: Add them last and adjust the amount based on moisture — the mixture should be moist, not overly wet.
Shape the meatballs: With wet hands, roll the mixture into balls (about 5–7 cm in diameter). Place on a tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover lightly with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during baking.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F). Bake the meatballs for 25–30 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch, yet still juicy in the center.
Serve: Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.