Once upon a time, a chef extraordinaire came up with a tantalizing meatball recipe, a secret that has since been passed down through generations. These aren’t your ordinary spaghetti companion, but a symphony of flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing the tarantella. 🍝💃🕺
Stuffed with a blend of premium ground beef and Italian sausage, mixed with bread crumbs soaked in milk for that tender bite, and seasoned with a melody of garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese, these meatballs are a saga of savors. These spherical saviors are going to make you say, “Mamma Mia!” 🥳
Rolling in the Deep (With Flavors)
Our secret? It’s all in the roll! Perfectly rolled meatballs are the center of our universe. Ensuring an even distribution of flavors and a perfect texture, rolling is a step that’s as crucial as a moonwalk to Michael Jackson. So, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and show some love to these bite-sized bundles of joy! 👐🎵
Tip: Use a small ice cream scoop to ensure uniform meatballs. This ensures even cooking and a perfect bite every time!
Baking, not Frying
While traditionally meatballs are fried, our secret recipe calls for baking them. It’s the doughnut hole in the middle of a doughnut; the detail that completes the picture. Baking lends a unique depth of flavor and keeps the meatballs moist without adding excess oil. Who knew baking could bring such a twist in the ‘tail’? 🐄🔥🍽️
Tip: Arrange the meatballs on a wire rack over a baking tray. This way, they cook evenly, and any excess fat drips away.
The hero of our recipe, however, is the homemade marinara sauce. It’s as integral to our meatballs as Sonny was to Cher. 🍅🎶 So, simmer some tomatoes, garlic, and a handful of spices and let the magic unfold!
Tip: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more intense the flavors become. So, let the sauce bubble away while you prepare the meatballs.
A Secret Meatball Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA tantalizing blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoned with a melody of garlic, onions, and Parmesan, these meatballs are a saga of savors!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade marinara sauce
Directions
- In a bowl, soak bread crumbs in milk. Let it sit until the bread crumbs have fully absorbed the milk.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, the soaked bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they’re evenly combined. Then, start shaping the mixture into meatballs, about an inch in diameter.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and cook the meatballs. Turn them occasionally to ensure they’re browned on all sides.
- Once the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce to the skillet. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- Once done, take the skillet off the heat. Let the meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve these sumptuous meatballs with pasta or on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy!
- Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat.
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, use a mixture of beef, veal, and pork instead of just beef.
- The bread crumbs help to keep the meatballs tender and juicy, don’t skip them.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily double the ingredients and freeze the uncooked meatballs for later use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze these meatballs for later use?
A: Absolutely! Just shape the meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as per the recipe.
Q: I don’t eat beef. Can I use another type of meat?
A: Yes, you can replace the beef with ground chicken or turkey. Keep in mind that leaner meats might result in slightly less juicy meatballs, but they’ll still be delicious!
Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A: If you’re pressed for time, a good quality store-bought marinara sauce can be used. However, homemade sauce always adds an extra special touch.