Easy Homemade Meatballs Recipe

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The Best Homemade Meatballs Recipe

Who doesn't love a good meatball? Whether you're topping spaghetti, making meatball subs, or just snacking, homemade meatballs are a comforting and delicious treat. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees juicy, flavorful meatballs every time. — Best Yoda Quotes: Wisdom From The Jedi Master

What You'll Need

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 24 meatballs from this recipe.
  3. Cook the Meatballs:
    • Option 1: Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
    • Option 2: Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
    • Option 3: Simmering in Sauce: Add the meatballs directly to your favorite tomato sauce and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This method results in incredibly moist and flavorful meatballs.
  4. Serve: Serve the meatballs over spaghetti, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

  • Use a Mixture of Meats: Combining ground beef and ground pork gives the meatballs a richer flavor and better texture.
  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing the meat can make the meatballs tough. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined.
  • Moisten the Breadcrumbs: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture helps keep the meatballs moist.
  • Test for Seasoning: Before rolling all the meatballs, cook a small piece of the mixture to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Freeze for Later: Meatballs can be frozen for future use. Place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or simmered in sauce.

Variations

  • Italian Meatballs: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
  • Spicy Meatballs: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef and pork.

Enjoy your delicious homemade meatballs! Let us know in the comments how they turned out. For more great recipes, check out Example Recipe Website.