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Basic Italian Meatballs

Delicious Basic Italian Meatballs for Effortless Comfort Food

Basic Italian Meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that brings comfort food right into your home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs intensifies the flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder; can replace with flaxseed meal as a vegan alternative.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Rich umami flavor; omit for dairy-free.
  • ¼ cup Parsley Fresh preferred; dried herbs can also work.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh is ideal, but powder serves in a pinch.
  • Salt and Pepper Season to taste.
For Cooking Options
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Use for sautéing the meatballs.
  • Tomato Sauce Optional, for simmering with meatballs.

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly without overmixing.
  2. Scoop out equal portions of the mixture, roll them into balls about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and place on a lined baking sheet.
  3. To cook, heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Sauté the meatballs for 5-7 minutes until browned, or bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
  4. For a classic touch, combine cooked meatballs with tomato sauce and simmer for 20-30 minutes over low heat.
  5. Allow cooked meatballs to cool on baking sheets, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  6. To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs overnight and heat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or simmer in sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These meatballs are versatile and can easily be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.

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