Indulge in the rustic charm and savory goodness of our homemade meatballs recipe. Bursting with aromatic herbs, spices, and tender meat, these meatballs are perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether served with pasta, nestled in a hearty tomato sauce, or enjoyed on their own as appetizers, these rustic meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone coming back for more. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to make these delectable meatballs!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Olive oil, for cooking
– Marinara sauce (optional), for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
2. Once the mixture is thoroughly combined, use your hands to shape it into meatballs of your desired size. Roll each portion of the mixture between your palms to form round meatballs. Make sure they are evenly sized to ensure even cooking.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
4. Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve the meatballs hot, either on their own as appetizers or with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta for a delicious main course.
Tips:
– For extra flavor, you can sauté finely chopped onions and garlic in the skillet before adding the meatballs. Cook until the onions are translucent and aromatic before adding the meatballs to the pan.
– If you prefer a softer texture, you can soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes before adding them to the meat mixture. This will help keep the meatballs moist and tender.
– To make ahead, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
– Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your meatballs. You can add fresh thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for a unique twist.
