Italian Meatballs

Italian Meatballs: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table, look no further than these classic Italian Meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, these meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, with your favorite pasta, or as a savory addition to a sub sandwich. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you need:

• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs 🍞
• 2/3 cup milk 🥛
• 1 lb ground beef or your choice of meat 🍖
• 1/4 medium onion, finely diced or grated 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 large egg, beaten 🥚
• 1 tsp salt or to taste 🧂
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 🌶️
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano 🧀
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley 🌿

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. 🔥

2️⃣ Prepare the breadcrumb mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs and milk. Mix well and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the bread crumbs to absorb the milk, resulting in tender and moist meatballs. 🥄

3️⃣ Mix the ingredients:
Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Using your hands, gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. 🍖🧄🧅

4️⃣ Form the meatballs:
Using a cookie or ice cream scoop, portion the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, and roll the portions into 2-inch diameter balls. This will ensure that all the meatballs cook evenly. 👩‍🍳

5️⃣ Bake to perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C). Once cooked, remove them from the oven and drain off any excess fat. 🍝

Serving Suggestions

These Italian Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce over spaghetti for a classic Italian meal, or enjoy them on a toasted sub roll with melted mozzarella for a meatball sandwich that’s out of this world. They also make a great appetizer when served with a dipping sauce at your next gathering.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 250 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

These Italian Meatballs are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own home. With a short prep and cooking time, they are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a go-to dish that your family and friends will love.

Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers! 🍽️

Italian Meatballs

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs 🍞
2/3 cup milk 🥛
1 lb ground beef or your choice of meat 🍖
1/4 medium onion, finely diced or grated 🧅
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 large egg, beaten 🥚
1 tsp salt or to taste 🧂
1/2 tsp black pepper 🌶️
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano 🧀
1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley 🌿

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. 🔥

2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, add Italian bread crumbs and milk. Combine well and set aside while preparing the other ingredients, for at least 5 minutes. 🥄

3️⃣ Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture, and mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix. 🍖🧄🧅

4️⃣ Portion onto the prepared baking sheet (using a cookie or ice cream scoop will make it easier). Wet your hands with water, and roll meatballs into 2″ diameter balls. 👩‍🍳

5️⃣ Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C). Remove from oven and drain off any excess fat. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy! 🍝

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 20 min

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 Kcal