The typical cooking time for meatballs in the oven is about 18-25 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Cooking time can vary slightly based on the size of the meatballs and the exact oven temperature, but a common recommendation is:
- Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes at 400°F for meatballs about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Meatballs should be browned on the outside and juicy inside. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
- For slightly larger meatballs or depending on oven variations, baking between 20-25 minutes is common.
Some tips:
- Bake meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil with some spacing to cook evenly.
- Avoid covering meatballs with foil during baking to maintain a crispy exterior.
- If desired, finishing with a 1-2 minute broil can enhance browning.
In summary, baking for about 20 minutes at 400°F is a good rule of thumb for perfectly cooked oven meatballs.