There’s something comforting about a plate of classic homemade meatballs. They are a timeless dish that brings people together, whether served with pasta, in a sub, or enjoyed on their own. With juicy flavors and a perfect texture, these meatballs are easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own meatballs is not only simple but also allows you to control the ingredients. You can adjust the flavors to your liking and avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions. Plus, nothing beats the aroma of freshly cooked meatballs wafting through your home. This recipe provides a fulfilling experience, combining all the best ingredients to create a hearty meal.
How to Make Classic Homemade Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 slices white bread, torn, crust cut off
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tsp dried basil
- 3 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp granulated onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup! Set aside.
- Place the torn bread in a small bowl and pour the milk over it. Let the bread soak and absorb the milk while you combine the rest of the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, eggs, cheese, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slightly squeeze the milk out of the soaked bread before adding it to the bowl of ingredients.
- Mix all the ingredients together until combined well. Using your hands works best here!
- Preheat your oven to broil and let it heat for a few minutes while you roll the meatballs.
- Divide the mixture and roll it into 14 meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil the meatballs for 12 minutes. You can rotate them halfway through if you like.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, or use them in recipes like meatball soup or meatball subs.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Meatballs
Classic homemade meatballs can be served in many ways. They are delicious over spaghetti and topped with marinara sauce. You can also place them in a sub roll for a tasty meatball sandwich, or simply serve them on their own with some dipping sauce. Add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Classic Homemade Meatballs
If you have leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Classic Homemade Meatballs
- Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for better texture.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; this keeps the meatballs tender.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect combination.
- If you prefer leaner meatballs, try using ground turkey or chicken.
Variation
For a twist, you can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the meat mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, for varied flavor.
FAQs
What can I serve with meatballs?
Meatballs are versatile! You can serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, on rice, or with just a dipping sauce as an appetizer.
Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. They can also be frozen before or after cooking.
What kind of meat is best for meatballs?
Ground beef is commonly used, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Mixing different meats can give you a richer flavor.
Classic Homemade Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Base
- 2 slices white bread, torn, crust cut off
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 3 tsp dried basil
- 3 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp granulated onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Place the torn bread in a small bowl and pour the milk over it. Let the bread soak and absorb the milk while you combine the rest of the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, eggs, cheese, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slightly squeeze the milk out of the soaked bread before adding it to the bowl of ingredients.
- Mix all the ingredients together until combined well, using your hands for the best results.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to broil and let it heat for a few minutes while you roll the meatballs.
- Divide the mixture and roll it into 14 meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil the meatballs for 12 minutes, rotating them halfway through if you like.
