Homemade meatballs are made by mixing ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings. They are then formed into balls and fried until golden brown. For extra flavor, cook the meatballs in a rich tomato sauce for 20-30 minutes. You can also bake them in the oven. Serve with pasta, rice, or in a sandwich. This recipe is versatile and perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 500g ground beef or ground chicken/pork (or a mix of meats)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for frying)
For the Tomato Sauce (optional but recommended):
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, and basil.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly combined, but don't overwork the meat to avoid tough meatballs.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about 1-1.5 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. Repeat this with the remaining mixture. You should get about 16-20 meatballs depending on the size you prefer.
- If you want extra crispy meatballs, roll them in some additional breadcrumbs before frying.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them until all sides are brown and crispy.
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate. If you want the meatballs to be fully cooked inside, you can place them in the oven at 180 C (350 F) for 10-15 minutes, or finish them off in the sauce (see Step 4).
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce (optional)
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and saut the chopped onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar (optional), salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, and once the meatballs are browned, add them to the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the meatballs are fully cooked and tender, serve them hot with the tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Meat Choice: You can use a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor or go with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Binding: If the mixture feels too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs or some milk to help bind it together.
- Flavor Variations: You can also add a splash of milk or a bit of ricotta cheese for extra moistness and flavor.
Enjoy these homemade meatballs with your favorite sides or in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting meal.