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Homemade Classic Meatballs Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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