Homemade Classic Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These homemade meatballs are a classic and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, finely minced (about 1/2 cup)
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (optional, or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a medium-large mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender, but ensure the mixture sticks together well.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls, about 1 tablespoon each. A cookie scoop can help with portioning. Place the formed meatballs on a lightly oiled plate or lined baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Cooking in a skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
   Cooking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk before adding to the meat mixture.
• Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative to beef.
• Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or as a meatball sub with melted cheese.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for longer storage.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to mix the ingredients gently without overworking the meat. Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture together, and chilling the formed meatballs before cooking can also help them hold their shape.

Homemade Classic Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

This Homemade Meatballs recipe offers a delicious and simple way to prepare tender, flavorful meatballs using ground beef, onions, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, in pasta dishes, or on their own, these meatballs can be cooked either on the stovetop or in the oven to achieve a perfectly browned and juicy result.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes stovetop or 25 minutes oven
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Yield: About 18–20 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, finely minced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (optional, or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine: Add all ingredients into a medium-large mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or clean hands (wearing disposable gloves is recommended) to mix thoroughly but gently. Avoid overmixing to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough or dry, ensuring that the mixture sticks together well.
2. Shape: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls using about 1 tablespoon of mixture per meatball. A cookie scoop can be used for consistent portioning. Place formed meatballs on a lightly oiled plate or lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Cook on Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking them through, which should take about 10-12 minutes. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook meatballs in batches.
4. Or Cook in Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and browned.

Notes

• Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and moist.
• Using freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor, but these are optional ingredients.
• Meatballs can be cooked either on the stovetop or in the oven depending on preference or equipment available.
• For even cooking on stovetop, avoid overcrowding the skillet; use batches if necessary.
• Allow cooked meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.

Keywords: homemade meatballs, ground beef meatballs, easy meatballs, skillet meatballs, baked meatballs, classic meatball recipe