Description
These Simple Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare with pantry staples. They are perfect for pasta dishes, sandwiches, appetizers, or meal prep, offering a classic Italian-inspired taste made from ground beef and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the meatballs evenly and develop a nice browned crust.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 to 18 evenly sized meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball, to ensure uniform cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help with even cooking and clean-up.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce, pasta, or as a delicious sandwich filling.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Meatballs can be frozen before baking or after cooking for convenient meal prep.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthy and lean alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
