Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs: A Classic Comfort Food
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs are tender meatballs made from ground meat, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs. Baked to perfection, they pair well with pasta, sandwiches, or as appetizers. Ready in 15 minutes with a total time of 35 minutes, each serving has about 250 calories, making them a versatile choice for any meal.
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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!