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Classic Italian Meatballs

Savor Tender Classic Italian Meatballs in 30 Minutes

Enjoy Classic Italian Meatballs that are tender, juicy, and bursting with authentic flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1-2 slices Fresh Breadcrumbs Crustless white bread or unseasoned dried breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Milk Can be replaced with water
  • 2 large Egg Yolks Whole eggs can be used for a different approach
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese Substitute with Parmesan if desired
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher salt preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 pound Ground Beef Chuck Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1/2 pound Ground Pork Replace with ground beef if needed
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley Optional, can substitute with other herbs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with vegetable oil
For the Cooking Method
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce Optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare by soaking 1-2 slices of crustless white bread in ¼ cup of milk for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix soaked breadcrumbs with 2 egg yolks, ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to form a paste.
  3. Combine ½ pound ground beef and ½ pound ground pork in a bowl, add breadcrumb mixture and ¼ cup chopped parsley; mix thoroughly.
  4. Shape mixture using a ¼-cup measuring cup into about 12 meatballs.
  5. Cook meatballs in 2 tablespoons of heated olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, browning on all sides for 6-8 minutes.
  6. Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Alternatively, cook browned meatballs in a pot of simmering marinara sauce for 10-12 minutes to absorb flavors.
  8. For baking, preheat oven to 425°F, arrange meatballs on an oiled baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until browned.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, mix gently, use fresh ingredients, and check meat temperature for safety. These meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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