Best Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These best meatballs are a classic comfort food made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with fresh herbs and onions. Perfectly browned and tender, they make a delicious main dish or a hearty addition to your favorite pasta.

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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a cutting board or plate.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 15 minutes. To check doneness, cut into one meatball to ensure there is no pink inside.
4. Step 4: Transfer cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, soak breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing with the meat.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
• Swap Italian parsley for fresh basil or oregano for a different herb flavor.
• Bake meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes as a hands-off alternative to frying.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of mixing pork and beef?

Yes, you can use all ground beef, but mixing pork adds extra juiciness and flavor to the meatballs.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Use enough binder like breadcrumbs and egg, and handle the mixture gently to avoid overmixing. Also, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the meatballs to help form a crust that holds them together.