Meatball Recipe

Meatballs are versatile and delicious, perfect as appetizers, with pasta, or in sandwiches. Follow this detailed guide to make flavorful meatballs at home, ideal for beginners:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef: Or a combination of beef and pork.
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs: Plain or seasoned.
• 1/4 cup Milk: Whole milk works best.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese: Grated.
• 1 Egg: Large.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced.
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a kick.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For cooking.

Equipment:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: For baking meatballs (optional).
• Large Skillet: For cooking meatballs on the stove.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or prepare a large skillet for stovetop cooking.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
2. Mix Meatball Mixture:
   • To the breadcrumb mixture, add ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
3. Shape Meatballs:
   • Scoop out portions of the meat mixture and roll into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wetting your hands slightly with water can prevent sticking.
4. Cooking Options:
   • Baking Method (oven):
     • Place shaped meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
     • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
   • Stovetop Method (skillet):
     • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
     • Add meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through.
5. Serve:
   • Once cooked, transfer meatballs to a serving dish.
   • Serve hot with your favorite sauce (marinara, barbecue, or gravy), pasta, or as appetizers with toothpicks.

Tips for Success:

• Meat Selection: Use a combination of beef and pork for juicier meatballs, or turkey for a leaner option.
• Uniform Size: Try to make meatballs of similar size for even cooking.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano, or add minced onions for extra flavor.

Variations:

• Swedish Meatballs: Serve with a creamy sauce and lingonberry jam.
• Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the mixture, then serve with a sweet and sour sauce.

This beginner-friendly meatball recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and delicious flavors. Enjoy making and sharing these homemade meatballs with your family and friends!