Description
Savory classic Italian meatballs bring rustic Mediterranean charm straight to dinner tables. Rich beef blended with herbs and Parmesan cheese deliver authentic Italian comfort that will satisfy hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (lb) / 454 grams ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 pound (lb) / 227 grams ground pork
- 1 egg
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Create a harmonious blend of ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Delicately fold the ingredients together using fingertips or a utensil, ensuring minimal manipulation to maintain a light, tender texture.
- Moisten hands with water to prevent ingredient adhesion, then gently craft uniform spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter.
- Warm olive oil in a substantial skillet over moderate heat, preparing for a golden sear.
- Carefully introduce meatballs to the heated surface, rotating periodically to achieve an even, rich caramelized exterior across multiple cooking batches.
- Verify internal doneness by ensuring a consistent golden-brown coloration and reaching an appropriate internal temperature.
- Cascade marinara sauce over the perfectly bronzed meatballs, reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the meatballs to luxuriate in the sauce, absorbing flavors and becoming increasingly succulent during a 15-20 minute infusion.
- Present these Italian delicacies atop pasta, nestled within a crusty sub roll, or accompanied by additional marinara for an indulgent dipping experience.
Notes
- Enhance meat tenderness by choosing a mix of ground beef and pork with 15-20% fat content for juicier meatballs.
- Prevent dense texture by handling the meat mixture gently and avoiding overmixing, which can make meatballs tough and rubbery.
- Boost flavor complexity by adding a splash of milk or beef broth to the breadcrumbs before mixing, creating a more moist and flavorful result.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting traditional breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising the meatballs’ texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg