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Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe

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This classic meatball recipe features tender, juicy meatballs made with lean ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Perfectly browned in olive oil and ready to serve with marinara sauce, these meatballs make an easy and flavorful appetizer or main dish that’s great for weeknight dinners or parties.

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated onion
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Using a meat baller or a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, scoop rounded portions about 1 ½ tablespoons each and shape them into meatballs. You should get approximately 20 meatballs from the mixture.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
  4. Serve: Serve the browned meatballs hot, accompanied by your favorite marinara sauce for dipping or ladled over the meatballs.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
  • If you prefer, you can finish cooking the browned meatballs in marinara sauce simmered on the stovetop for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
  • Leftover meatballs freeze well; freeze cooked meatballs in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/classic-italian-meatballs-recipe/