Description
Succulent Italian meatballs melt hearts with their rich, savory blend of ground meats and herbs. Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevate this classic comfort dish that connects you to generations of traditional Italian cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork
Binding and Seasoning:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently incorporate milk into the meat mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a light texture without compressing the proteins.
- Form uniform spherical meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, using gentle rolling motions to create cohesive shapes.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F) to create an ideal searing environment.
- Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, rotating periodically for even caramelization.
- Transfer seared meatballs to a preheated baking dish or marinara sauce, continuing cooking for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Plate the meatballs over pasta, nestle them into a crusty sub sandwich, or present them as a standalone protein with accompanying garnishes.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs that lack tenderness.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk before adding to the meat creates a softer, more delicate texture that helps keep meatballs juicy.
- Use a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for enhanced flavor complexity and richer taste profile.
- For gluten-free option, swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the same delicious consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg