Introduction: Meatballs are a timeless comfort food that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you’re serving them in spaghetti, as a party appetizer, or in a sub sandwich, these tender, flavorful meatballs are always a hit. With a perfect balance of juicy meat, seasonings, and a golden, crispy exterior, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for any meatball craving.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or a combination of beef, pork, and/or turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for frying or greasing)
1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat oven: If baking the meatballs, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, milk, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form the meatballs: Scoop out portions of the meat mixture (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. You should get about 18-20 meatballs depending on size.
Cook the meatballs:
For frying: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them gently, until browned and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes total).
For baking: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
Serve: If desired, heat marinara sauce in a separate saucepan and add the meatballs to the sauce for a few minutes to soak up the flavor. Serve with spaghetti, in a sub roll, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. Garnish with extra parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Description:
These meatballs are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor. The combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasoning gives them the perfect texture and taste. Whether you bake or fry them, these meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser. Add marinara sauce or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Tips:
For extra flavor: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
Moisture check: If your meatball mixture feels too dry, add a bit more milk or even a little more egg. If it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
Browning before baking: To enhance the flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking them, though this is optional.
Resting the meatballs: After shaping the meatballs, let them rest for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Variations:
Italian Meatballs: Add fresh basil and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for an Italian-inspired twist. Serve with marinara sauce and pasta.
BBQ Meatballs: Mix in a bit of BBQ sauce to the meat mixture and bake the meatballs. Serve with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top.
Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version. You may want to add a bit of extra breadcrumbs to keep them moist.
Vegetarian Meatballs: Substitute the meat with mashed lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa to make a veggie-friendly version.
Corrections:
Overmixing: If the meatballs are tough, you may have overmixed the meat mixture. When combining the ingredients, be gentle to keep the texture light and tender.
Dry meatballs: If your meatballs come out too dry, they may need more milk or moisture in the mixture. You can also add a little more egg to bind the mixture better.
Baking tips: If baking and you want a crisper exterior, try broiling the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Enjoy:
These meatballs are the perfect addition to any meal! Whether you’re serving them in pasta, sandwiches, or as a standalone appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. With their crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior, every bite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!