Description
Ah, the humble meatball – a staple in Italian cuisine that has captivated taste buds for generations. These savory spheres of deliciousness are a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk or beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herb seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the milk or beef broth. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked bread crumbs, cooked onion, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until they’re just combined.
4. Shape the meatball mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet or tray.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
6. Alternatively, heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them to ensure they brown evenly on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total.
Notes
Use a Blend of Meats – The combination of ground beef and ground pork creates the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Don’t Overmix – Gently incorporate the ingredients to avoid a dense, tough texture.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or herbs based on your personal preferences.
Experiment with Cooking Methods – Both baking and pan-frying produce delicious results, so choose the method that best suits your needs.
Substitute Ground Turkey – If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey in place of the beef and pork.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 400
- Calories: 1
- Sugar: 500
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 150
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 80
- Fiber: 30
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0