Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting, flavourful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for juicy Italian sausage and ground beef meatballs is your answer. These aren't your grandma's meatballs (though she'd probably love them too!), offering a delicious blend of savory Italian sausage and lean ground beef for a hearty yet healthy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate Sunday supper, these meatballs are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
- Your favorite pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, gently combine the Italian sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, milk, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs. A few gentle folds are all you need!
- Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and makes the meatballs easier to handle.
Shaping and Cooking the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Roll the meatball mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serving Your Delicious Meatballs
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare your favorite pasta according to package directions.
- Serve the meatballs over your cooked pasta, generously spooning your chosen pasta sauce over the top.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Chill the mixture before rolling. This helps the meatballs hold their shape better during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer. This ensures your meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the meatballs enough space to brown evenly.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little extra heat.
- Cheese lovers: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the Parmesan.
- Herb experiment: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Slow cooker option: Brown the meatballs in a skillet before transferring them to a slow cooker with your favorite sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on sauce and meat choices)
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
These delicious Italian sausage and ground beef meatballs are a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!