This recipe teaches you how to make delicious, tender meatballs from scratch. Perfect for spaghetti, sandwiches, or appetizers!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes.
- Add the ground meat, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs, or lightly spray them with cooking spray. This helps them brown and adds flavor.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 160°F (71°C).
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite sauce, pasta, or as a standalone appetizer. Buon appetito!
