Best Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These best meatballs are a classic comfort food that combine ground beef and pork for rich flavor and tender texture. Easy to prepare and perfect for any meal, they crisp beautifully on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands, but be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a cutting board or plate.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan fry the meatballs, turning often, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Cut one open to check there is no pink inside.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooked meatballs to paper towels to drain excess oil, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat boost.
- Try fresh herbs like basil or oregano in place of parsley for a different flavor.
- Use a mix of ground veal and pork for a more delicate texture.
Storage
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. Baking is a great way to reduce added fat from frying.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious served over pasta with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a simple meal.
PrintBest Meatballs Recipe
This Best Meatballs Recipe features a classic combination of ground beef and pork blended with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and fresh parsley. These juicy, tender meatballs are pan-fried to golden perfection, making them perfect for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, or as a savory appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, dry breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, Italian flat-leaf parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them on a cutting board or plate, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Heat Oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, allowing it to warm up sufficiently for frying.
- Pan-fry Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and completely cooked through, about 15 minutes. To check doneness, cut one meatball open to ensure there is no pink in the center.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot as desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender.
- Use fresh parsley for better flavor.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size to cook evenly.
- Meatballs can be served with pasta, on their own, or in sandwiches.
- Can be reheated in a skillet or oven without drying out.
Keywords: meatballs, ground beef, ground pork, Italian recipe, pan-fried meatballs, classic meatballs
