How to Make Homemade Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Meatballs are a classic comfort food that have been enjoyed by families for generations. They’re easy to make, versatile, and can be served in a variety of ways – from spaghetti and meatballs to meatball subs. Plus, they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a homemade meatball recipe that’s simple, delicious, and sure to please your taste buds, then look no further.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Add the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should be able to get around 20-24 meatballs from this recipe.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure they’re evenly spaced out.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Making Perfect Meatballs:
- Use fresh breadcrumbs: Stale breadcrumbs won’t absorb the milk as well, which can lead to dry meatballs. If you don’t have fresh breadcrumbs, you can make them by toasting a few slices of bread and then processing them in a food processor.
- Don’t overwork the meat: Overmixing the meat can lead to tough meatballs. Mix everything together until it’s just combined, and then stop.
- Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop to form the meatballs ensures that they’re all the same size, which helps them cook evenly.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Try different meats: While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can also use ground pork, turkey, or a combination of meats for different flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
There are so many ways to serve homemade meatballs, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with some marinara sauce. Top with the meatballs and some grated Parmesan cheese.
- Meatball Subs: Toast some hoagie rolls and then fill them with meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Broil them in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Meatball Soup: Make a simple broth-based soup and then add some cooked meatballs and your favorite vegetables.
- Meatball Appetizers: Make smaller meatballs and then serve them on toothpicks with a dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch.
Conclusion:
Homemade meatballs are a delicious and easy dish that can be enjoyed in so many different ways. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can make a batch of meatballs
