Making homemade meatballs is a rewarding and versatile cooking endeavor. Here’s a basic recipe for classic homemade meatballs:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and any optional herbs or spices you choose to use.
- Mix Thoroughly:
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Ensure that everything is well combined, but try not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs dense.
- Form Meatballs:
- Take a portion of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form meatballs. You can choose the size you prefer, but a golf ball size is typical.
- Cooking Options:
- Option 1: Pan-Frying
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Pan-fry the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Option 2: Baking
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Option 1: Pan-Frying
- Check Doneness:
- To check if the meatballs are cooked through, cut one in half to ensure there is no pinkness in the center.
- Serve:
- Serve the homemade meatballs with your favorite sauce (marinara, tomato sauce, or gravy) over pasta, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or alongside mashed potatoes.
Feel free to experiment with the seasonings and customize the recipe to your taste. Homemade meatballs are versatile and can be used in various dishes, making them a great addition to your cooking repertoire.
