Homemade Meatballs
These hearty homemade meatballs are packed with flavor and perfect for any gathering or cozy weeknight meal. They are easy to make and versatile enough to serve in various delicious ways.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef or your choice of meat You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- ⅔ cup milk For moisture.
- 1 large egg, beaten Acts as a binder.
- ¼ medium onion, finely diced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs Provides texture.
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper Adjust to your taste.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano Enhances flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley Optional for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs and milk, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- After the breadcrumbs have rested, add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and parsley, then gently mix until just combined.
- Portion the mixture into 2-inch balls and roll them gently in your hands, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then let them drain excess fat before serving.
Notes
For best results, don’t overmix the meat and let the breadcrumbs soak fully. These meatballs can be served in various ways, such as over spaghetti or in a sandwich.