If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this ultimate homemade meatballs recipe. These meatballs are perfectly tender, packed with flavor, and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
For the sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cook the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
4. Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine and Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serve the meatballs over spaghetti, on a sub roll with melted cheese for a meatball sub, or simply with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Use a mix of meats: Combining ground beef and pork adds richness and flavor to the meatballs.
- Don’t overmix: Gently mix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender.
- Bake or fry: Baking is easier and healthier, but frying adds a delicious crust.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes:
- Spicy meatballs: Add 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Cheesy meatballs: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella cheese before cooking.
- Herbed meatballs: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the meatball mixture.
Conclusion
This ultimate homemade meatballs recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s versatile, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the tender, flavorful meatballs with your favorite sides.