Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, hearty meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This sausage and beef meatball recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic blend of savory sausage, tender beef, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more relaxed weekend meal. These meatballs are incredibly versatile; serve them with pasta, rice, or even on their own as a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend 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
- 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
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the Magic: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for uniformity for even cooking.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy!: Serve these delicious meatballs hot with your favorite pasta sauce, a side of rice, or a fresh salad. They’re also great on their own!
Tips for Meatball Mastery
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your meatballs are cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Create a small indentation in each meatball before baking and fill it with a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 3-5g
This sausage and beef meatball recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!