Best Homemade Meatballs Recipe: Simple & Delicious!

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Hey guys! Who doesn't love a good meatball? Today, we're diving into the ultimate homemade meatball recipe that's super easy and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget the store-bought stuff; once you taste these, you'll never go back. This recipe is perfect for spaghetti night, meatball subs, or even as appetizers at your next party. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! — Greenville, SC Recent Arrests: Mugshots And Details

Why This Meatball Recipe Rocks

Okay, so what makes these meatballs so special? First off, they’re incredibly flavorful. We're talking a perfect blend of savory meats, aromatic herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning. Secondly, they’re incredibly tender. Nobody wants a tough, dry meatball. This recipe ensures they’re juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious every single time. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can totally nail this recipe. The secret lies in a few key ingredients and techniques that we'll walk through step by step. We're using a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the best flavor and texture. The beef gives them that classic meaty taste, while the pork adds richness and keeps them moist. But feel free to experiment with other ground meats like turkey or veal. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. We also incorporate breadcrumbs soaked in milk, which acts as a binder and keeps the meatballs super tender. Don't skip this step! Fresh herbs like parsley and garlic, along with parmesan cheese, add a ton of flavor. And a little bit of egg helps to hold everything together. Finally, we're going to pan-fry the meatballs before simmering them in sauce. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds another layer of flavor. Trust me, it's worth the extra step. You can use them in so many ways. Obviously, they're amazing with spaghetti and marinara sauce. But you can also use them to make meatball subs, add them to soups and stews, or even serve them as appetizers with a toothpick and some dipping sauce. They're also great for meal prepping. Just make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Now that I have you drooling, let's get to the recipe.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing meatballs. Don't worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples!

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Olive oil, for cooking
  • Your favorite marinara sauce

Ingredient Breakdown

Let's dive a little deeper into why each ingredient is important. Ground beef provides the classic meatball flavor, while ground pork adds richness and keeps the meatballs moist. Using a combination of both gives you the best of both worlds. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or veal for either the beef or pork. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk act as a binder and keep the meatballs incredibly tender. The milk helps to soften the breadcrumbs, which in turn helps to keep the meatballs moist and prevents them from drying out during cooking. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor that complements the meat perfectly. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Fresh parsley and garlic add a burst of freshness and aroma. Don't skimp on these! The egg helps to bind all of the ingredients together, ensuring that the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes season the meatballs and add depth of flavor. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want them. And of course, we need olive oil for cooking and marinara sauce for serving. Use a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor. And feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. Now that we know what we need, let's get cooking! — Alan Thicke: Life, Career, And Legacy Of A TV Icon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get down to business. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying delicious homemade meatballs in no time!

  1. Soak the breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5-10 minutes until the breadcrumbs are softened.
  2. Combine the ingredients: Add the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 24-30 meatballs from this recipe.
  4. Sear the meatballs: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are browned on all sides. You may need to do this in batches.
  5. Simmer in sauce: Transfer the seared meatballs to a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour your favorite marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are fully submerged. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful and tender they will become.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the meatballs over spaghetti, in meatball subs, or as appetizers. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs

  • Don't overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix everything together gently until just combined.
  • Use wet hands: To prevent the meatball mixture from sticking to your hands, wet your hands with cold water before rolling the meatballs.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the meatballs, make sure to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the meatballs from browning properly.
  • Simmer, don't boil: When simmering the meatballs in sauce, make sure to keep the heat low and simmer gently. Boiling the sauce can cause it to reduce too quickly and burn.
  • Make ahead: Meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Or, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas to customize your meatballs:

  • Spicy Meatballs: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a spicier kick.
  • Italian Sausage Meatballs: Substitute half of the ground beef or pork with Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella cheese before cooking for a cheesy surprise.
  • Herb-Infused Meatballs: Add other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the meatball mixture for a more complex flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

  • Spaghetti and Meatballs: The classic! Serve the meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
  • Meatball Subs: Load the meatballs into hoagie rolls with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Toast in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Meatball Appetizers: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or ranch.
  • Meatball Soup: Add the meatballs to your favorite soup or stew recipe for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – the best homemade meatball recipe ever! These meatballs are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead and give them a try. And don't forget to share your creations with us on social media. Happy cooking, everyone! — Movie Rules: What You Need To Know