Meatballs are a staple in many Italian dishes and one of the most popular recipes. They’re versatile and can be eaten by themselves or mixed with any number of sauces. They’re also one of the easiest to make! Here are some step-by-step instructions for making your own meatballs from scratch.
Ingredients
Meat: You can use any type of ground meat you like, but many people use a mix of pork and beef. Make sure it’s minced properly and not too fatty.
Breadcrumbs: This will help hold the meatballs together and give them some texture. You can use either regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan: Fresh grated Parmesan cheese adds some nice flavouring to the meatballs.
Egg: One or two eggs can help bind the meatballs together.
Herbs: Some chopped fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, oregano, or basil, will add some extra zing.
Salt & pepper: To your taste, of course.
Tomato sauce: You’ll need a good tomato sauce to cook the meatballs in.
Method
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Begin by mixing the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, egg, and herbs together in a bowl. Then add the salt and the pepper.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Use your hands to shape the meat mixture into small, round meatballs. You can make them as small or as large as you like.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan and add the meatballs once it’s hot. Fry them for about 10 minutes, turning them often to ensure they’re evenly browned.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce
Once the meatballs are nicely browned, remove them from the frying pan and set them aside. Now add the tomato sauce to the pan and cook it for a few minutes over medium-high heat. Then, return the meatballs to the pan.
Step 5: Simmer for a Few Minutes
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer in the tomato sauce for about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked through and the flavours have melded together, they’re ready to eat! Serve them as they are, or over pasta, with a little additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Variations
The great thing about meatballs is their versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, turning them into Italian style meatballs, Greek meatballs, or even Swedish meatballs. If you want to add some extra flavor to your meatballs, consider adding some freshly grated nutmeg or a little ground garlic and onion to the mixture. If you’d prefer something a bit spicier, try adding some cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Meatballs can also be used in a variety of dishes. To make a tasty meatball sandwich, simply place the cooked meatballs in a hoagie roll and top with some provolone cheese and sautéed onions and peppers. For an easy weeknight dinner, serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, and drizzle with the tomato sauce. Meatballs are also commonly used in soups and stews.
Conclusion
Making meatballs doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s actually quite simple and the results are well worth it. Try out this easy Italian meatball recipe today! With a few basic ingredients and an easy step-by-step guide, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve in no time.
From classic Italian to Greek, there are so many ways to enjoy meatballs. What will you make with your meatballs?
