Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup milk
– Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Creating Classic Italian Meatballs is simple when you follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to begin the cooking process.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and milk until well combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
6. Simmer in Sauce (Optional): If desired, transfer baked meatballs into a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Allow them to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
7. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
By following these straightforward steps, you will create classic meatballs that are sure to impress!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g