Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These juicy Italian pork meatballs are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend feast. Forget takeout – this homemade recipe is unbelievably delicious and far healthier than anything you'll find at a restaurant. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground beef (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground pork and ground beef (if using). Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Shaping the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 3: Browning the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Simmering in Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Serving Your Delicious Creation
Serve these delectable Italian pork meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. A side of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment for sopping up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your meatballs will be directly affected by the quality of your ingredients.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your preference.
- For crispier meatballs: Increase the browning time slightly.
- Make it ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese to the center of each meatball before browning.
- Lemon-Herb Meatballs: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the meat mixture, along with some fresh thyme or rosemary.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 25-30g Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
These Italian pork meatballs are a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They’re perfect for a healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, or even a sophisticated homemade dish for entertaining. Enjoy!