In my book, nothing says comfort food like a nice plate of spaghetti with these: the best Italian meatballs ever! I’ve skipped the pan browning to it simple.
Best Italian Meatballs
Ingredients
- ½ cup Italian style bread crumbs*
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 lb 85% ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
- 1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Soak crumbs in milk for 20 minutes.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
- Shape meatball mixture into 24 balls (1 ½“ each).
- *For gluten-free meatballs, use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of bread crumbs.
- Cooking Method #1: Drop meatballs one at a time into the sauce, soup or other cooking liquid and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160͒. Do not stir for the first 10 minutes to allow meatballs to set. Stir gently and occasionally after that.
- Cooking Method #2: Bake uncovered in at 400͒ for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160͒.
- Hack: Place cooked or uncooked meatballs in a single layer on cookie sheet and place in freezer until solid. Seal in a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for future use.
Did you know? Beef has gotten a bad rap due to its high fat and cholesterol content but the health benefits make it a healthy addition to a balanced diet!
Suggestion: Substitute meatballs for the sausage in this spaghetti sauce!
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I’ve tried making meatballs at home, but it didn’t work, so I’m going to try making them this time. In particular, I think temperature control will be an important point in cooking method #2. As it is gluten-free, it is also good as a healthy food, so I will recommend it to my acquaintances.
Cooking meatballs at higher temperature allow the outside to cook more quickly, sealing in the juices. A larger ad/or denser piece of meat (such as a roast) would be cooked at a lower temperature so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is up to temperature. Let me know if this recipe and oven temp work for you!
There is such a thing as Italian meatballs? I always thought that meatballs were just meatballs haha. Well, you learn something new everyday. I will be sure to try out this recipe for my partner as I love cooking for her. I am sure that she will appreciate it so thank you for this. I will let you know how it goes
Although there are subtle differences in how different meatballs are made (spices, etc), I think the “name” for them has more to do with what kind of sauce you serve them in! I hope your partner enjoys these ones!