Ground beef meatballs are a comforting staple that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Picture juicy, savory morsels of ground beef mingling with herbs and spices, all ready to transform into delightful bites of happiness. Brisket Tacos for variety
Now, let’s take a stroll down memory lane. I remember the first time I made ground beef meatballs for my family. My kitchen turned into a battleground of flour dust and laughter as my kids attempted to roll their own meatballs—most ended up resembling tiny baseballs! The joy on their faces when they tasted the delicious results made the mess worth every moment. Keto-friendly corn dogs These meatballs are perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, promising a delightful flavor experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ground beef meatballs are easy to prepare, making them a weeknight favorite
- Their rich flavors come together beautifully, pleasing the pickiest eaters at your table
- Visually appealing, these golden-brown morsels look great on any plate, adding warmth to your meal
- Highly versatile, they can be served with spaghetti, in sandwiches, or as appetizers for parties
The first time I made these ground beef meatballs, my kids declared me the “Meatball Master”—a title I still proudly hold. For more inspiration, check out this classic Irish shepherd’s pie recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs while adding texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. creamy smoked gouda mac and cheese.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves pack a punch of flavor; minced is best for even distribution.
- Eggs: One large egg acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold together during cooking.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds freshness to each bite.
- Onion Powder: A sprinkle brings an aromatic sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt & Pepper: Season generously; it enhances all the delicious flavors in your meatballs.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on a clean surface. Crispy Fried Chicken recipe This ensures you won’t be scrambling like a headless chicken halfway through mixing!
Mixing Time: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing will lead to tough meatballs.
Forming Meatballs: Use your hands to scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly; no one wants a giant meatball overshadowing its smaller friends.
Browning Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches without crowding them; let them brown nicely on all sides—about 5-7 minutes per batch will do.
Add Sauce (If Desired): If you’re feeling fancy (and who doesn’t love feeling fancy?), pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs. Simmer for another 10 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy: Plate those gorgeous ground beef meatballs alongside spaghetti or on their own with toothpicks for dipping! Watch as everyone dives in—there’s nothing like homemade goodness! For more inspiration, check out this one-pot spaghetti recipe.
Now that you’ve mastered this delightful recipe for ground beef meatballs, enjoy sharing them with loved ones! They’ll appreciate every bit of effort you put into creating these mouthwatering bites that bring everyone together around the dinner table. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- Ground beef meatballs can be a game changer for weeknight dinners
- They are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for various sauces like marinara or BBQ
- Plus, they freeze well, making them a lifesaver for busy days
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ground beef meatballs ingredients thoroughly, then shape and sear them in a hot skillet before baking for an even cook. This method locks in moisture and flavor while creating a lovely golden crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices in your ground beef meatballs. Adding grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the flavor profile to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked ground beef meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, keeping their juiciness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When forming your ground beef meatballs, avoid overmixing to keep them tender
- Always use room temperature ingredients for better binding
- Also, let cooked meatballs rest before serving; this enhances flavor and texture
Sharing these delightful ground beef meatballs with friends at dinner always brings smiles and compliments! Last week, my friend declared them “the best meatballs ever” – who knew simplicity could taste so good?
FAQ
How can I make my ground beef meatballs more flavorful?
Incorporate fresh herbs or spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the mix.
Can I substitute ground beef with other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken also works well for lighter meatballs.
What sauce pairs best with ground beef meatballs?
Marinara sauce is classic, but barbecue sauce adds a fun twist!
Savory Ground Beef Meatballs
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade ground beef meatballs. These juicy morsels are perfect for family dinners or gatherings, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Easy to prepare, they promise to delight even the pickiest eaters at your table. Serve them with spaghetti, on a bun, or as appetizers; they’re bound to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 meatballs (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and mix them in a large bowl until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; brown the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- If desired, add marinara sauce and let simmer for an additional 10 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot with spaghetti or as appetizers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (130g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg