Delicious Homemade Ground Beef and Pork Meatballs
Discover the art of making perfectly homemade meatballs using a blend of ground beef and pork. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also packed with flavor and technique. Whether you plan to enjoy them as an appetizer, in a pasta dish, or in a sub sandwich, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef 1 pound ground pork 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped or 2 tablespoons dried parsley 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large egg 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat) 1/4 cup milk (optional for extra moisture)Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley (or dried parsley), garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). If desired, add the milk for extra moisture. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
Form Meatballs
Use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Serve
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer.
Tips and Variations
Variations
Feel free to add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking, such as thyme or fennel, for a more complex taste. You may also want to try different types of cheese, like fresh mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique twist.
Sauce
For added flavor, you can simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce on the stovetop for about 10 minutes after baking. This will give them a richer, more flavorful taste.
Storage
Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for future use. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe, it's time to get creative and start making your delicious and homemade meatballs! Enjoy the process and the taste of fresh, homemade meatballs with your family and friends. Happy cooking!