Meatball Recipe
Meatball recipe lovers, rejoice! This delightful dish brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness right to your table. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs made with a perfect blend of ground beef and chicken, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, and bound together with breadcrumbs soaked in savory vegetable broth. Each bite is a burst of flavor, whether served in a rich marinara sauce or nestled in a cozy sub. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll impress your family and friends, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Get ready to savor the love!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Meatball Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl For mixing ingredients.
- 1 Baking sheet For baking the meatballs.
- 1 Saucepan For heating the marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Ground beef The main protein source, providing rich flavor and texture.
- 1 lb Ground turkey A leaner alternative that keeps the meatballs moist.
Binders
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Helps bind the mixture together and adds a nice texture.
- 1 large Egg Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape.
Flavorings
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Adds a savory depth of flavor to the meatballs.
- 2 cloves Garlic Infuses the meatballs with aromatic goodness.
- 1 medium Onion Provides sweetness and moisture to the mixture.
- 1/4 cup Parsley Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 tsp Salt Enhances all the flavors in the meatball mixture.
- 1/2 tsp Pepper Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flavor.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil Helps to keep the meatballs moist and adds richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and toasty.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Get Your Hands Dirty
- Mix everything together with your hands until well combined. It’s messy but fun!
Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
- Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, heat up your favorite marinara sauce in a saucepan.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
- Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes. Serve with pasta or on a sub roll!
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Recipe
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfectly juicy and flavorful meatballs every time.
- Great for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
- Versatile—pair with pasta, subs, or on their own!
- Kid-approved and sure to bring smiles to the table.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free Option Available |
| Serves: | 4-6 people |
| Best Served: | With spaghetti or in a sub |
Ingredients for Meatball Recipe
- Ground beef – the main protein source, providing rich flavor and texture.
- Ground turkey – a leaner alternative that keeps the meatballs moist.
- Breadcrumbs – helps bind the mixture together and adds a nice texture.
- Eggs – acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape.
- Parmesan cheese – adds a savory depth of flavor to the meatballs.
- Garlic – infuses the meatballs with aromatic goodness.
- Onion – provides sweetness and moisture to the mixture.
- Parsley – adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors in the meatball mixture.
- Pepper – adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
- Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flavor.
- Olive oil – helps to keep the meatballs moist and adds richness.
How to Make the Meatball Recipe
Gather your ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and toasty.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Get Your Hands Dirty
Mix everything together with your hands until well combined. It’s messy but fun!
Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, heat up your favorite marinara sauce in a saucepan.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes. Serve with pasta or on a sub roll!
Pro Tips for Making the Meatball Recipe
• Use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a lighter, yet flavorful meatball.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk or vegetable broth for extra moisture and tenderness.
• Don’t overmix the meat; gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs soft.
• Bake meatballs on a wire rack for even cooking and a nice crust.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of flavor.
How to Serve Meatball Recipe
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your meatballs:
- Serve over a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian feast.
- Place meatballs in a sub roll, top with melted mozzarella, and enjoy a hearty meatball sandwich.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a comforting dinner.
- Add to a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter option.
- Serve with toothpicks as bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering.
- Mix with barbecue sauce and serve on slider buns for a fun twist.
- Top with a rich mushroom gravy and serve alongside rice or quinoa.
- Enjoy in a hearty soup with vegetables and broth for a cozy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Allow meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Portion meatballs for easy use later.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Use a microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning and moisture, like breadcrumbs or an egg, to keep them juicy and flavorful.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in the meatball recipe?
If you’re looking for a breadcrumb substitute, try using crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked quinoa. These options will help bind the meatballs while adding a unique texture.
How can I make my meatballs more flavorful?
To amp up the flavor, consider adding minced garlic, chopped herbs like parsley or basil, and spices such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes. These ingredients will elevate your meatballs to the next level!