Homemade Italian meatballs are the epitome of comfort food. These Tender Italian Meatballs are bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, transporting you straight to Italy with every bite. Crafted from a mix of milk-soaked breadcrumbs, seasoned ground meat, Parmesan cheese, and a harmonious blend of herbs and spices, they are perfect for a variety of dishes. Enjoy them over pasta, in a hearty sub sandwich, or as a delicious appetizer on their own. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or need a tasty meal prep solution, these meatballs are destined to be a beloved staple.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2/3 cup milk
- One pound of ground beef (or any ground meat of your preference)
- 1/4 medium onion, finely diced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
- One tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (or alternatively, one teaspoon of dried parsley)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs and milk. Stir together and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a thick paste.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread crumb mixture, finely diced or grated onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of oil.
- Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta with marinara sauce, in a sandwich roll with melted cheese, or as a party appetizer with a side of dipping sauce. For a classic touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Conclusion:
These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs are a testament to the beauty of simple, homemade food. Their tender texture and rich flavor come from a combination of fresh ingredients and a careful cooking method. Whether you’re sharing them with family over a plate of spaghetti or enjoying them as a savory snack, these meatballs are sure to please. Once you try them, you’ll find that this classic comfort food has earned a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire.
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs: A Classic Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2/3 cup milk
- One pound of ground beef or any ground meat of your preference
- 1/4 medium onion finely diced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
- One tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or alternatively, one teaspoon of dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs and milk. Stir together and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a thick paste.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread crumb mixture, finely diced or grated onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of oil. Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta with marinara sauce, in a sandwich roll with melted cheese, or as a party appetizer with a side of dipping sauce. For a classic touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top before serving.