Meatball Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This meatball recipe is a family favorite, packed with flavor and easy to make. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch that everyone will rave about.

• Juicy and tender: The perfect blend of ingredients keeps these meatballs moist and delicious every time.
• Versatile: Serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer—they’re great any way you enjoy them.
• Quick to make: With just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.

Recipe

Meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even in sandwiches. This recipe yields tender, flavorful meatballs that are perfect with pasta, in a sub, or on their own.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 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 fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and milk. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 1 tbsp each).
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides (about 5-6 minutes total).
4. If serving with sauce, transfer browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara and cook for another 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through.

Notes:

• For crispier meatballs, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
• Substitute panko for breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Serving: 4-6 people

Nutrition

Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving meatballs with classic pasta pairings like spaghetti or fettuccine for a comforting meal. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll opt for side dishes like roasted veggies or a crisp salad. Both options make the meatballs shine, and it’s fun to mix and match depending on the occasion!

Pasta Pairings

There’s nothing quite like a plate of tender meatballs served over perfectly paired pasta—it’s comfort food at its best. I love twirling spaghetti with rich marinara, but don’t stop there! Try rigatoni for thicker, flavored sauces or fettuccine for creamy Alfredo. Even penne works wonders, holding chunky tomato basil sauce. The right pasta types elevate every bite, making your meatballs shine. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!

Side Dishes

When you’re serving up a hearty plate of meatballs and pasta, rounding out the meal with the right side dishes can make it feel complete. My favorite side dish suggestions include garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted veggies like zucchini or Brussels sprouts. These flavor combinations add freshness and balance to the rich, savory meatballs. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan to tie it all together!