Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These beef sausage meatballs are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Packed with juicy beef sausage, aromatic herbs, and a touch of zest, these meatballs are incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy. They're perfect served with pasta, rice, or even enjoyed on their own as a delicious appetizer. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sausage (Italian style recommended, but any flavor works!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the beef sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
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Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
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Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until they're nicely browned.
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Simmer the Meatballs (Optional): For extra tender meatballs, transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Add about 1 cup of your favorite sauce (marinara, tomato, or even a creamy white sauce) to the baking dish. Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, resulting in tough meatballs. Gentle mixing is key.
- Use high-quality sausage: The flavor of your meatballs will depend largely on the sausage you choose. Look for a sausage with good flavor and a good meat-to-fat ratio.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steamed instead of browned meatballs. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked meatballs, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese to the center of each meatball before browning.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
- Fat: Approximately 7-9g
These beef sausage meatballs are a quick, easy, and delicious addition to your healthy meal repertoire. They're perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Enjoy!