Description

These easy homemade meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with a variety of sauces. Quick to prepare and freezer-friendly, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef )
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup onion, grated or finely minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Olive oil for pan-frying (optional)
Marinara sauce or sauce of choice, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat if pan-frying.
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes to soften.
Add ground meat, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet or plate.
To bake: Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
To pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
If desired, simmer cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.Red pepper flakes add a mild kick.Swap Italian seasoning for fresh basil or oregano.Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.Add mustard or Worcestershire for extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 85mg