SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that suits any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a game day feast, or a cozy gathering with friends. These meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a perfect blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned to perfection, they deliver rich flavor without the fuss. Enjoy them on pasta, in a sub sandwich, or even as cocktail bites—they’re sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginners.
- Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of beef, pork, and spices ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with your favorite sauce or serve them as appetizers—these meatballs fit any meal.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze for quick meals later; they’ll taste just as fresh when reheated.
- Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the herbs and spices based on your preferences for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this easy recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process and ensure you create perfectly cooked meatballs.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie dough scoop or ice cream scoop
- Foil
- Non-stick cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking multiple meatballs at once while allowing excess fat to drain away.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spilling.
- Cookie dough scoop: Ensures uniform size for each meatball, leading to even cooking.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1/2 lb. Ground Pork (or Turkey)
- 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Large Eggs
- ¾ – 1 Cup Milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 Cloves Garlic, pressed
- ½ Cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ¼ Cup Fresh Italian herbs, finely chopped (oregano, basil, and/or parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. A hot oven ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
Step 3: Mix the Meats
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork until they are well mixed. This mixture forms the base of your flavorful meatballs.
Step 4: Combine all Ingredients
Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl:
1. Breadcrumbs
2. Eggs
3. Milk
4. Worcestershire sauce
5. Garlic
6. Parmesan cheese
7. Italian herbs
8. Onion powder
9. Salt
10. Black pepper
Mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix; this keeps your meatballs tender.
Step 5: Form the Meatballs
Using a cookie dough scoop or ice cream scoop, divide the mixture into portions. Roll each portion in your hands to form smooth balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until browned and no pink remains in the center. Adjust time according to size if needed.
Step 7: Serve or Store
Remove from oven and serve with your favorite pasta sauce or let them cool completely before freezing for later use.
Enjoy making these SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe for any occasion! They are sure to become a family favorite!
How to Serve SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe
These meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or an appetizer, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance your meal.
With Pasta
- Spaghetti Marinara: Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian dish.
- Penne Alfredo: Pair with creamy Alfredo sauce and penne pasta for a rich and comforting meal.
As Appetizers
- Cocktail Meatballs: Serve smaller versions at parties with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauce for easy snacking.
- Meatball Sliders: Place meatballs in mini buns topped with cheese and marinara for tasty sliders.
On Pizza
- Homemade Pizza: Top your pizza dough with sliced meatballs, cheese, and fresh herbs for a hearty topping option.
- Flatbreads: Use the meatballs on flatbreads with sauce, cheese, and arugula for a gourmet twist.
In Soup
- Italian Wedding Soup: Add chopped meatballs to broth with vegetables and pasta for a warm soup option.
- Meatball Sub Soup: Combine in a tomato-based broth with crusty bread for a comforting soup-like the classic sandwich.
How to Perfect SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe
For even better meatballs, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality meats yield better flavor than dried or canned options.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to dense meatballs. Combine just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or herbs according to your taste preferences.
- Test Cooking Time: Oven temperatures can vary; check doneness by cutting one open to ensure it’s fully cooked without any pink inside.
- Chill before Baking: For firmer meatballs, chill the mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping them.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different sauces like barbecue or teriyaki for varied flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy side that complements the sauciness of meatballs perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds freshness to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide color and nutrition on your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a hearty base that pairs well with savory meatballs and sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent backdrop for flavorful meatballs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the meatballs nicely.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is nutritious and offers a bright contrast to the dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad tossed with veggies provides a refreshing accompaniment that’s also healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making meatballs can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overmixing the meat: Mixing your meat too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine just enough to integrate the ingredients without overdoing it.
- Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are essential for texture and moisture. Avoid omitting them or substitute with stale bread if necessary.
- Not measuring ingredients: Be precise with your measurements, especially for milk and eggs, to ensure consistency in texture. Use measuring cups for accuracy.
- Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to season your mixture adequately. A well-seasoned meatball is key to enhancing flavor; add a pinch more salt or herbs if needed.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at too low a temperature can leave you with dry meatballs. Stick to the recommended 425 degrees F for perfect browning.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold meats and eggs can affect how well the meatballs hold together. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before mixing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe
- Allow cooked meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe.
Can I use different meats in this SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe?
Yes! You can mix different types of ground meats like turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options depending on your preference.
How do I know when my meatballs are done?
Meatballs should be browned on the outside and have no pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F for beef or pork.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator or freeze them before baking.
What sauce goes best with these SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe?
These versatile meatballs pair well with marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or even gravy. Choose based on your desired flavor profile!
Final Thoughts
The SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe is not only easy to make but incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or swapping out meats according to your taste. Enjoy these delightful meatballs with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers! Be sure to try this recipe and impress your family and friends!
SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe
Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that will please the whole family? This SIMPLE Basic Meatball Recipe is your answer. Combining ground beef and pork with delicious herbs and spices, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them over spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or as delightful appetizers at your next gathering, they are sure to impress. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps to follow, even beginners can create this comforting meal effortlessly. Make a large batch and freeze them for quick weeknight dinners or cozy get-togethers—these versatile meatballs will quickly become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ lb. ground pork (or turkey)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ – 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (pressed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh Italian herbs (oregano, basil, parsley)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil, then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef and pork.
- Add breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Parmesan cheese, herbs, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; mix until well combined but avoid overmixing.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until browned and cooked through (no pink in the center).
- Serve immediately or let cool before freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
