Are you craving a comforting, flavourful meal that's both easy to make and guaranteed to please the whole family? Look no further! This old-fashioned meatball recipe is a classic for a reason. These juicy, tender meatballs are bursting with flavour and are perfect served with your favourite pasta, a crusty loaf of bread, or even on their own. Forget takeout – homemade cooking doesn't get much easier or more satisfying than this quick dinner idea. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are ideal)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 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
- Your favorite pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs. Gently mix until just combined.
Shaping and Browning the Meatballs:
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This is a great task for the whole family!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Add your favorite pasta sauce to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. This slow simmering process ensures incredibly juicy and flavorful meatballs.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a side salad complete this easy and healthy meal. They are also fantastic served on a sub roll or alongside crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.
- Make it leaner: Use a higher percentage of lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7).
- Add vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, or zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try using different cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone, instead of Parmesan.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the meatballs as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker with your favorite sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This old-fashioned meatball recipe is a true crowd-pleaser – a delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it an ideal recipe for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs seeking a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!