Meatball recipes are a beloved staple in kitchens around the world, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of hearty, flavorful meatballs. In this classic recipe, I’m blending ground beef and pork to create a delightful depth of flavor that you just can’t resist. The combination of these two meats gives you the best of both worlds: the rich, savory taste of beef and the tenderness of pork. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or as a party appetizer. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making the best meatballs you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients Overview

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose a mix with some fat for flavor; it’ll keep the meatballs juicy.
• 1 lb ground pork: This adds tenderness and a subtle sweetness to balance the beef.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned for texture and to help bind the meatballs.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This brings a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the meatballs.
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic flavor; don’t skimp on it!
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in your meat mixture.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: For a bit of warmth without overpowering.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Optional, but it adds a lovely kick!
• 2 large eggs: These are crucial for binding everything together.
• 1/4 cup milk: This helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.

How to Prepare Meatball Recipes

Getting these meatballs ready is a straightforward joy! First, let’s talk about preheating. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze!

Preheat and Prepare

Preheating the oven is crucial because it ensures that your meatballs cook evenly from the start. If the oven isn’t hot enough, they can dry out or end up unevenly cooked. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper helps the meatballs crisp up nicely without any sticking, making the whole process more enjoyable!

Mixing the Meatball Ingredients

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well-blended, but don’t overwork it! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we want them to be tender and delicious. Just mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed, and then let’s move on to forming them!

Forming and Baking the Meatballs

Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Make sure they’re uniform in size so they cook evenly—this is super important! Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re nicely browned and a meat thermometer reads 160°F (70°C) in the center. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Rich flavor from the blend of beef and pork, making every bite delicious.
• Versatile enough to serve with pasta, in subs, or as a standalone appetizer.
• Great for meal prep—make a big batch and freeze for later!
• Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.

Tips for Success

To really nail this meatball recipe, here are some expert tips to elevate your dish! First, consider using a mix of ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option—just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster. Adding minced onion or bell pepper to the mix not only boosts flavor but also adds moisture. If you want a deeper flavor, a splash of Worcestershire sauce works wonders! Don’t forget to adjust your seasoning to taste; every palate is different. And when forming the meatballs, wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Finally, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps them hold their shape when serving. Trust me, these little tweaks will make all the difference!

Variations on Meatball Recipes

One of the best things about meatball recipes is their versatility! If you’re looking to mix things up, consider swapping out the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken. These lighter options are fantastic if you want to cut down on fat while still enjoying delicious meatballs. For those who love bold flavors, try adding spices like cumin or coriander for a Middle Eastern twist, or even some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick!

You can also experiment with different types of breadcrumbs—why not try panko for extra crunch? If you’re feeling adventurous, add some finely chopped spinach or zucchini to sneak in more veggies. And for a gourmet touch, mix in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, for this meatball recipe, each serving (about 4 meatballs) generally contains approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fiber: 1g

It’s always a good idea to adjust these values based on your ingredient choices, especially if you’re looking for specific dietary goals!

FAQ Section

Got questions about meatball recipes? I’ve got answers! One common query is how to freeze these delicious meatballs. Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Another question I often hear is about storage. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. They make for a quick snack or an easy addition to your meal. And if you’re wondering about serving suggestions, these meatballs are fantastic with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or even as an appetizer with toothpicks and marinara sauce for dipping. They really shine in so many different settings!

Meatball Recipes: 7 Simple Steps for Perfect Flavor

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A classic meatball recipe featuring a blend of beef and pork, flavored with herbs and spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the meat mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
6. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Optionally, serve with marinara sauce and garnish with extra parsley.

Notes

• For added flavor, you can include minced onion or bell pepper in the meat mixture.
• Experiment with different types of meat such as turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: meatball recipes, Italian meatballs, baking meatballs