Homemade meatballs

Homemade Meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in many ways—whether in a hearty spaghetti sauce, with mashed potatoes, or in a sub sandwich. These meatballs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.

Here’s a simple and classic recipe for Homemade Meatballs:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean is ideal, or you can use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder (if using). Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as it can make the meatballs tough.
2. Test for consistency: If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more milk or a splash of water. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until you achieve a moist but firm texture.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Shape the meatballs: Using your hands, take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, shaping the meatballs to your desired size. You should get about 16-20 meatballs depending on size.
2. Optional: If you want a uniform size, you can use a small ice cream scoop or a spoon to measure the portions.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

There are several ways to cook meatballs. Here are two popular methods:

Option 1: Frying

1. Heat oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage—just browned on the outside.
3. Finish cooking: Once browned, you can transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or cook them in a sauce (like marinara) until fully cooked.

Option 2: Baking

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place on baking sheet: Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
3. Bake: Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C). For extra flavor, you can broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Serve

• With sauce: Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and pasta for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish, or make meatball subs with your favorite bread and cheese.
• With sides: They also go well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips:

• Flavor variations: You can add other seasonings to the meatballs like red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor.
• Cheese: For a richer flavor, you can substitute mozzarella cheese for the Parmesan, or even add small cubes of mozzarella inside the meatballs for a cheesy surprise.
• Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake or simmer in a sauce.

Homemade meatballs are easy to make, and with a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy them with your favorite sides or in sandwiches for a versatile and delicious meal!