Cooking homemade meatballs is a beloved tradition that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. Perfectly seasoned and tender, these classic meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or on their own. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time.
Title: Classic Homemade Meatballs
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
2. Pour in the milk and continue to mix until the mixture holds together when shaped into a ball. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more milk. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. With damp hands, shape the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each meatball for even cooking.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape during baking.
6. Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
These classic homemade meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with your favorite marinara sauce over spaghetti, as a delicious meatball sub, or as an appetizer for gatherings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for future use. Enjoy the comfort and flavor of these homemade meatballs that are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
