Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup milk
Optional Sauce (Marinara):
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven (Optional): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking instead of pan-frying.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and milk. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix, or the meatballs can become tough.
- Form Meatballs: Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch balls.
- Cook Meatballs:
- Pan-frying: Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Baking: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
For the Marinara Sauce (Optional):
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Meatballs to Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve with pasta, in a sub, or enjoy on their own with some extra Parmesan on top!