Discover the joys of homemade cooking with “Simply Savory: Easy Meatball Recipe,” a straightforward and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether served over spaghetti, tucked into a sub sandwich, or enjoyed as an appetizer with dipping sauce, these meatballs are a perfect addition to any meal. Packed with flavor and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe ensures that even novice cooks can create delicious, succulent meatballs that rival those of any Italian restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatball Recipe:
- Quick to Prepare: Minimal prep time makes this recipe ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the seasonings and meat type to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later use, ensuring you always have a quick meal on hand.
- Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients Notes For Easy Meatballs:
- Ground Meat: Use ground beef, pork, turkey, or a combination for varied flavors and textures. For a lighter version, ground chicken or turkey works well.
- Breadcrumbs: Help to bind the meatballs and retain moisture. You can use plain or Italian seasoned for extra flavor.
- Eggs: Act as a binder to keep the meatballs together during cooking.
- Garlic and Onion: Minced for a flavor base that complements the meat.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy flavor that enhances the meatballs.
- Herbs: Parsley is commonly used, but you can also try basil or oregano for different profiles.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Recipe Steps:
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground meat, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 finely minced garlic clove, 1/2 finely chopped onion, a handful of chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Form Meatballs:
- Mix the ingredients until well combined but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender. Roll the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Cook Meatballs:
- You can cook the meatballs by either:
- Baking: Place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Frying: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the meatballs until evenly browned and cooked through, turning occasionally.
- Simmering in Sauce: For softer meatballs, simmer them directly in a marinara sauce over low heat for about 30 minutes.
- You can cook the meatballs by either:
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs with your choice of pasta, in a sandwich, or with a side of dipping sauce.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or simmer in sauce until heated through.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground beef (or you can use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for more flavor)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until everything is evenly combined but avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball between your hands. The size of your meatballs can vary depending on your preference or the dish they’ll be used in.
- Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Serve or Store:
- Serve the meatballs immediately with your choice of sauce and pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
- If storing, let the meatballs cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
