Let me tell you, garlic parmesan meatballs are a game changer! These little flavor bombs are juicy, tender, and packed with the delightful combination of garlic and rich parmesan cheese that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy dinner or serving them at a lively get-together, they’re sure to impress. The beauty of these meatballs is in their simplicity; they’re easy to make but taste like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Plus, they can be enjoyed in so many ways—toss them in marinara for a classic Italian dish or serve them as a standout appetizer. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be dreaming about these garlic parmesan meatballs long after they’re gone!
Ingredients List
To make the most scrumptious garlic parmesan meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor:
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose a good quality ground beef with a bit of fat for juiciness.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a rich cheesy flavor.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor; don’t skimp on this!
- 1 egg: This acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs moist.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For that extra layer of savory goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, but great for a hint of heat.
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Meatballs
Getting ready to make your garlic parmesan meatballs is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time. First, you’ll want to start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and develop a lovely golden color on the outside.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Remember, you don’t want to overmix, as that can lead to tough meatballs.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatballs. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and no longer pink inside. And just like that, you’ve got yourself some amazing garlic parmesan meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients: ground beef, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball.
- Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
Tips for Success
To ensure your garlic parmesan meatballs turn out perfectly every time, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use a cookie scoop: This helps create evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer; they should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Chill the mixture: If it’s a bit too sticky, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before rolling.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to tweak spices and herbs to suit your taste!
Variations of Garlic Parmesan Meatballs
One of the beauties of garlic parmesan meatballs is their versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep your taste buds excited. For a pop of color and nutrition, try adding 1 cup of chopped spinach to the mixture—it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens! If you’re a cheese lover, crumbled feta cheese can be mixed in for a tangy twist. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even chicken for a lighter option. You can also change the herbs; try using thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your garlic parmesan meatballs, the options are as delightful as the meatballs themselves! For a classic touch, serve them over a bed of spaghetti with a generous drizzle of marinara sauce—it’s a comforting combination that never fails to impress. You can also present them as a chic appetizer, skewered on toothpicks and accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce like pesto or a creamy garlic aioli.
For an elegant platter, arrange the meatballs on a large serving dish, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Don’t forget to add a few slices of crusty bread on the side for mopping up any delicious sauce. Trust me, your guests will love the beautiful presentation as much as the incredible flavors!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for these garlic parmesan meatballs can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. It’s always a good idea to calculate the nutrition based on your exact ingredients for the most accurate results. Enjoy cooking and eating with confidence!
FAQ Section
Got questions about those delicious garlic parmesan meatballs? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just roll them out and pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic parmesan meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Baked Ziti and Meatballs recipe!
For tips on cooking meatballs, you can refer to this guide on Serious Eats.
Also, if you want to explore more about the health benefits of garlic, visit Healthline’s article on garlic benefits.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Meatballs: Perfect Your Culinary Skills
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic parmesan meatballs are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix until fully combined, but do not overmix.
- Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Notes
- For a variation, you can add chopped spinach or feta cheese.
- Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic dish.
- Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley for plating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan meatballs, meatball recipe, Italian meatballs, appetizer recipes