Easy Meatball Recipe
A simple and satisfying dish that's quick to prepare and perfect for any meal. These meatballs are versatile, freezing well for future meals.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred) Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated onion (or finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish) Optional.
- Olive oil (if pan-frying)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Stir in the egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet (or on a plate if pan-searing).
Cooking
- Option A: Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Option B: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Optionally, simmer in marinara sauce for another 10 minutes.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides, pasta, or bread.
Notes
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Tips: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and adjust the seasoning to taste.