Easy Meatball Recipe

Introduction

These easy meatballs are a classic crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Made with a blend of beef and pork, they are juicy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Serve them with your favorite pasta or as a hearty sandwich filling.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely grated
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely mince the garlic and grate the onion and Parmesan cheese. Chop the parsley and soak the breadcrumbs in milk.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
3. Step 3: Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into evenly sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
4. Step 4: To cook, either pan-fry the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning to brown all sides, or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Step 5: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them over pasta, in subs, or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for a lighter texture.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Try baking instead of frying for a healthier option with less oil.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of a beef and pork mix?

Yes, you can use all ground beef, but the pork adds extra juiciness and flavor. Using only beef may result in slightly drier meatballs.

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure not to overmix the meat and ingredients, and include a binding agent like egg and soaked breadcrumbs. Also, handling the mixture gently and forming meatballs firmly helps them hold together during cooking.

Easy Meatball Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 516 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings 1x

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Description

This easy meatball recipe combines ground beef and pork with flavorful ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. The meatballs are perfect for pan-frying or baking, delivering tender and juicy bites ideal for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a savory appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely grated
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic, grate the onion and Parmesan cheese, and chop the parsley. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk until softened.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix by hand until well incorporated without overworking the meat.
3. Shape Meatballs: Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into uniform meatballs to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook Meatballs: Choose your cooking method: For pan-frying, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook meatballs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Alternatively, bake meatballs on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the cooked meatballs rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before serving. Enjoy them over pasta, in subs, or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Using both ground beef and pork adds a balance of flavor and juiciness.
• Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps keep meatballs tender and moist.
• Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Can be cooked by frying or baking depending on preference.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: meatballs, easy meatballs, ground beef and pork, Italian recipe, dinner, meatball recipe