These Easy Meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect addition to pasta, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone appetizer. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether baked or pan-fried, these meatballs are versatile and utterly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if pan-frying)
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, about the size of a ping-pong ball. This recipe makes approximately 18 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased rack. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
- For Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until browned on all sides and fully cooked.
- Serve: Enjoy the meatballs on their own, tossed in marinara sauce, or over pasta for a hearty meal.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g