Description
These juicy meatballs are a delicious homemade alternative to fast food favorites, packed with savory flavors and a tender texture. Made with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, they can be baked or pan-fried for a perfect meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Aim for 80/20 fat)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Can use gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup Milk (Soaks the breadcrumbs)
- 1 Egg (Binds the mixture)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese (Use Pecorino or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust according to taste)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (Adjust according to taste)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Optional, add freshness)
Instructions
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk and let them soak for 5 minutes to soften, which helps create tender meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: Add ground beef, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional parsley to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently by hand until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Preheat Oven (for Baking): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you choose to bake the meatballs instead of frying.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Pan-Fry Alternative: If you prefer, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry the meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and cook thoroughly.
- Serve or Store: Serve the meatballs hot immediately or allow them to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for later use.
Notes
- You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures the meatballs remain juicy.
- If you want gluten-free meatballs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste preference; adding fresh herbs like parsley adds a burst of freshness.
- These meatballs freeze well and can be reheated directly from frozen.
