Here’s a classic Meatball recipe — juicy, flavorful, and versatile for spaghetti, sandwiches, or appetizers. 🍝🥩
🍖 Classic Meatballs
Ingredients (Makes ~20 meatballs)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit 2–3 minutes until absorbed.
- Add ground beef, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Gently mix until just combined — do not overmix.
- Form into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on baking sheet.
3️⃣ Bake
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C) and lightly browned.
4️⃣ Optional Finishing in Sauce
- Simmer baked meatballs in marinara or gravy for 10 minutes for extra flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Classic spaghetti and meatballs
- Meatball subs with melted cheese
- Appetizers with dipping sauce
🔑 Tips
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps keep meatballs tender.
- For a crispy exterior, sear meatballs in a skillet for 2–3 minutes before baking.
If you want, I can also give you an Italian-style slow-cooked meatball recipe or a quick stovetop version ready in 20 minutes.