The homemade Italian meatballs. This is an easy recipe combines with ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for a classic Italian experience. Get ready to elevate your culinary skills and impress your taste buds with this flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 jar marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
1/ In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef breadcrumbs Parmesan cheese milk parsley egg minced garlic dried oregano salt black pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix all well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2/ Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1-2 inches in diameter. You can wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
3/ Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches ensuring they have enough space between them. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the bottoms are browned.
4/ Gently flip the meatballs using tongs or a spatula, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until browned on all sides and cooked through.
5/ Once cooked transfer the meatballs to a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serving Italian Meatballs Recipe
Serve the meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce either by simmering them together in the sauce for a few minutes or by pouring the sauce over the meatballs.
Other option is garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Enjoy the delicious Italian meatballs with pasta as a sandwich filling, or as an appetizer.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring these Italian meatballs! Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance.
Some Tips and Tricks To Enhance Your Meatball Making Skills
Mix Ingredients Gently: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix them gently. Overmixing can result in tougher meatballs.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley basil or oregano add a burst of flavor to your meatballs. Opt for fresh herbs whenever possible for the best taste.
Soak Breadcrumbs: Before adding breadcrumbs to the mixture soak them in milk for a few minutes. This will helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Test Seasoning: Before shaping all the meatballs, cook a small portion and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed to ensure a well balanced flavor.
Keep Hands Moist: To prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands while shaping the meatballs, keep your hands moist by lightly wetting them with water.
Size Consistency: Aim for uniform meatball sizes to ensure even cooking. Use a measuring spoon or an ice cream scoop to portion out the meat mixture for consistent sizes.
Sear for Flavor: Searing the meatballs in a hot skillet with oil before simmering in sauce adds a flavorful crust and enhances the overall taste.
Simmer in Sauce: To infuse the meatballs with the flavors of the sauce, simmer them gently in your favorite marinara or tomato sauce for 20-30 minutes after searing.
Rest before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their shape and allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve with Love: Present your meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair them with pasta, crusty bread, or as a standalone appetizer.
Cooking is a creative process so don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to customize your meatball recipe to your liking. Enjoy the culinary journey and savor the delicious results!
NUTRITION FACTS
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for Italian Meatballs. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
Serving Size: Typically, a serving of Italian meatballs is about 2-3 meatballs, which is roughly 4-6 ounces (113-170 grams).
Calories: Around 150-250 calories per serving (2-3 meatballs).
Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams per serving.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-5 grams per serving.
Dietary Fiber: About 0-1 gram per serving.
Sugar: Minimal to no sugar unless additional ingredients with sugar are added.
Fat: Approximately 10-20 grams per serving.
Saturated Fat: About 3-6 grams per serving.
Cholesterol: Around 30-50 milligrams per serving.
Sodium: About 300-500 milligrams per serving, but this can vary depending on the recipe and seasonings.
Vitamins and Minerals: Italian meatballs may provide small amounts of vitamins like B12, B6, and minerals like iron and zinc.
Please keep in mind that the nutrition facts for Italian meatballs can vary based on the ingredients used in the recipe, such as the type of meat (beef, pork, turkey, etc.), the presence of breadcrumbs or other fillers, and the cooking method (baking, frying, or simmering in sauce). If you have specific dietary requirements or are concerned about the nutritional content, it’s advisable to refer to the nutrition label on the specific product or dish you are consuming or consult a registered dietitian for more precise information.
