Italian meatballs are a classic comfort food, perfect for a hearty family meal or a gathering with friends. Made with a savory blend of ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta, or enjoy them as appetizers.
Follow this simple recipe to create delicious Italian meatballs that are sure to be a hit at your table!
Servings: 4-6 people
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-45 minutes
Ingredients
In the art of cooking Italian meatballs, adaptability is essential. If you find yourself missing certain ingredients, fear not—there are easy swaps available. Consider using crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs or adjusting the meat blend to your liking. This recipe allows you to create delicious meatballs with ingredients that fit your kitchen and preferences perfectly.
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for a few minutes until breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Add ground beef, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently but thoroughly with hands until well combined.
- Shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce and pasta, or as desired.
Precaution Before Cooking
When shaping the meatballs, avoid packing the mixture too tightly, as this can result in dense meatballs. Also, ensure that the meatballs are cooked thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C), to ensure they are safe to eat.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature if necessary. If using a skillet, cook the meatballs in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven browning.