Ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef (you can also use a combination of pork, beef, or veal)
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of milk
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Once the ingredients are well combined, form the mixture into small meatballs. You can make them any size you prefer, but try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with oil.
5. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
6. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the perfect meatball:
– Don’t overwork the meat mixture. Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid making your meatballs tough.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese will give your meatballs a delicious boost of flavor.
– If you’re having trouble getting your meatballs to hold their shape, try refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes before forming them.
– You can also fry your meatballs in a pan instead of baking them. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through.
– If you’re making a large batch of meatballs, you can freeze them for later. Once they are cooled, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Meatballs are a simple and delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them baked or fried, with beef or pork, or served in a classic tomato sauce or in a sandwich, knowing how to make the perfect meatball is a great cooking skill to have. Try this recipe and experiment with your own variations to create a dish that is uniquely yours.