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Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe

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3.8 from 87 reviews

A classic and easy meatball recipe featuring tender ground beef mixed with savory Parmesan and Italian herbs, pan-seared to a golden brown. Perfect for serving with marinara sauce as a hearty appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 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
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the lean ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, finely grated onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Shape meatballs: Using a meat baller or a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, portion out approximately 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a rounded ball. Continue until all the mixture is formed, yielding about 20 meatballs.
  3. Heat oil and brown meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pot and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.
  4. Remove and set aside: Once the meatballs are browned evenly, remove them from the pot and place them aside. They are now ready to be served with your favorite marinara sauce or incorporated into your preferred dish.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  • For extra flavor, you can simmer the browned meatballs in marinara sauce for 10–15 minutes before serving.
  • Check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while cooking.
  • If you prefer smaller or larger meatballs, adjust the cooking time accordingly.