How to make meatballs with ground beef?

By HotBotUpdated: August 27, 2024

Ingredients for Ground Beef Meatballs

To make delicious and juicy meatballs with ground beef, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese if you haven’t bought pre-grated cheese. Chop the fresh parsley finely. Having all the ingredients ready will make the process smoother.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, and the egg. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Mix everything together until well combined. It’s best to use your hands for this step to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Once the mixture is well combined, start forming the meatballs. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Aim for meatballs that are about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. This size allows them to cook evenly and quickly. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or a baking sheet as you go.

Cooking Methods

Method 1: Pan-Frying

Pan-frying meatballs gives them a wonderful crispy exterior and is relatively quick. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches.
3. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
4. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Method 2: Baking

Baking meatballs is a healthier option as it uses less oil. Here’s how to bake them:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
3. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
5. For an extra crispy exterior, you can broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Method 3: Simmering in Sauce

Simmering meatballs in sauce keeps them incredibly moist and infuses them with flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare your favorite marinara or tomato sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Gently add the formed meatballs to the simmering sauce.
4. Cover the pot and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring gently to ensure they cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve your meatballs over a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce.
• Meatball Subs: Place meatballs in a sub roll, top with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
• Appetizer: Serve meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a dipping sauce.
• Meatball Soup: Add meatballs to a vegetable or minestrone soup for a hearty meal.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Meatballs

Here are some expert tips to ensure your meatballs turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
• Use a Light Touch: When forming the meatballs, use a light touch. Compacting them too much can make them dense.
• Test a Sample: If you’re unsure about the seasoning, cook a small piece of the mixture before forming all the meatballs. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Uniform Size: Make sure the meatballs are of uniform size for even cooking.
• Chill the Mixture: If the meatball mixture feels too soft to form into balls, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes.

Flavor Variations

While the classic meatball recipe is always a hit, here are some variations you can try:

• Italian Meatballs: Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds and a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture.
• Swedish Meatballs: Mix in a pinch of allspice and serve with a creamy gravy.
• Asian Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and some finely chopped green onions and ginger to the mixture.
• BBQ Meatballs: Mix in a tablespoon of BBQ sauce and some smoked paprika. Serve with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.

Storing and Reheating Meatballs

If you have leftovers or want to prepare meatballs in advance, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerating: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat meatballs in a microwave, oven, or simmer them in sauce until heated through.

With these detailed steps, ingredient variations, and tips, you are well-equipped to make delectable meatballs with ground beef. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or simmer them, the result is bound to be delicious and satisfying. Experiment with different flavors and serving styles to find your perfect meatball combination.

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