Tired of takeout and craving a truly delicious, homemade meal? Then look no further! Jon & Vinny's Meatball recipe is your answer. These aren't your average meatballs; these are juicy, flavorful orbs of pure comfort, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant prices, making it a staple in our household and soon to be yours! Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Forming the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, gently form the meat mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Try to make them roughly the same size for even cooking.
Sizzle and Simmer:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step is crucial for developing a delicious crust. Once browned on all sides, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Sauce it Up:
- Add the crushed tomatoes and water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to your sauce.
Finishing Touches:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they're mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious meatballs over your favorite pasta, with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, or even nestled in a warm sub roll. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a final flourish!
Tips for Meatball Perfection:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Use good quality ground meat: The flavor of your meatballs relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients.
- Brown the meatballs properly: This step adds a significant amount of flavor.
- Simmer gently: Rushing the simmering process can lead to dry meatballs.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Finely chopped onions, carrots, or bell peppers can be added to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese please!: Stuff each meatball with a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese for an extra cheesy surprise.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Protein: 15-20g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This recipe offers a balanced blend of protein and flavor, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option for the whole family. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!