Meatball Recipe

Meatball Recipe: Savory Italian Classic

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Introduction

Meatballs are a hearty, flavorful dish, cherished for their tender texture and rich, savory taste, making them a staple in Italian cuisine and beyond. This meatball recipe combines ground meats, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan for a versatile dish perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or standalone appetizers. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or festive gatherings, these meatballs are easy to prepare and adaptable to various flavors. With their comforting appeal and universal popularity, they bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • Optional: ½ tsp fennel seeds for anise flavor

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 5 minutes. Add beef, pork, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and optional fennel seeds. Mix gently with hands until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  2. Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into 1 ½-inch balls (about 2 tbsp each), making 16-18 meatballs. Place on a tray.
  3. Heat Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Cook Meatballs: Add meatballs in batches, avoiding crowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove to a plate.
  5. Optional Simmer: For a softer texture, simmer meatballs in marinara sauce for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Serve: Serve hot with pasta, in subs, or as appetizers with toothpicks.

Tips for a Better Meatball

  • Use a mix of beef and pork for juiciness
  • Soak breadcrumbs to keep meatballs tender
  • Don’t overmix to avoid a dense texture
  • Brown meatballs evenly for a rich flavor
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing
  • Test one meatball’s seasoning before forming all
  • Rest cooked meatballs 5 minutes to retain juices
  • Cook in batches to ensure even searing
Variations and Customization
  • Turkey Meatballs: Replace beef and pork with ground turkey
  • Spicy Meatballs: Increase red pepper flakes or add 1 tsp sriracha
  • Cheesy Meatballs: Stuff with mozzarella cubes before shaping
  • Herb-Infused: Add 1 tbsp fresh basil or thyme
  • Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
  • Vegetarian: Use lentils and mushrooms instead of meat
  • Asian-Inspired: Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and ginger
  • Swedish Meatballs: Use allspice and serve with cream sauce
Storage and Serving Tips
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Freeze raw or cooked meatballs for 3 months
  • Serve with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or sliders
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven or simmer in the sauce
  • Use leftovers in soups or pizza toppings
  • Keep chilled for meal prep to maintain freshness
  • Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan
  • Pair with red wine or a light salad
Nutritional Information

The following nutritional information is approximate, based on 4 servings (4-5 meatballs per serving):

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Vitamin A: 10% of Daily Value
  • Iron: 15% of Daily Value
  • Calcium: 8% of Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients like fennel seeds. Use a nutritional calculator for precise measurements. Meatballs are high in protein but also fat due to ground meats; the variations in turkey and vegetarianism reduce fat content. Pair with vegetables to balance the meal’s nutrition profile.

Conclusion

This meatball recipe delivers a savory, tender dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions. Its rich flavors and adaptable nature make it a versatile addition to countless meals, from classic spaghetti to creative appetizers. Easy to prepare and universally loved, it’s a go-to for bringing Italian comfort to your table. With endless variations, this recipe ensures a delicious, crowd-pleasing experience every time.

Meatball Recipe

Meatball Recipe: Savory Italian Classic

Savory, juicy meatballs with herbs and Parmesan, ideal for pasta, subs, or appetizers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Soak breadcrumbs in milk; mix with meats, Parmesan, egg, garlic, herbs, and spices
  • Form into 1 ½-inch balls
  • Heat oil in skillet; brown meatballs 8-10 minutes
  • Simmer in sauce if desired
  • Serve with pasta or as appetizers

Notes

  • Use beef-pork mix for flavor
  • Don’t overmix dough
  • Store in fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months
  • Serve with marinara or potatoes

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