Italian Meatballs
If you’ve ever had a loved one request a meatball the size of their head, then you understand the joy and satisfaction of serving up hearty, homemade Italian meatballs. These flavorful orbs are not just a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes, particularly when they’re simmered in a rich spaghetti sauce. This recipe is ideal for those who love to meal prep—make a big batch and freeze them for future dinners or spontaneous meatball cravings.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of lean ground beef
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups of seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. -
Shape Meatballs:
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. For uniformity, aim for about 1 to 1.5-inch diameter balls. Arrange them on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not touching each other. -
Freeze for Later Use:
Place the cookie sheets with the meatballs into the freezer. Freeze until the meatballs are solid, which should take about 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs into large freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. -
Cook the Meatballs:
To cook the meatballs, you can use them fresh or straight from the freezer. For either method, simmer them gently in your favorite spaghetti sauce. If cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Let them simmer until cooked through and tender, which should take about 30-40 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: Classic pairing! Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti and top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Meatball Sandwiches: For a delicious twist, place the meatballs in a crusty sub roll, cover with marinara sauce, and top with melted mozzarella cheese.
- Meatball Appetizer: Serve the meatballs in a slow cooker with some marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 3534.7
- Total Fat: 164.1g
- Saturated Fat: 63.2g
- Cholesterol: 1521.4mg
- Sodium: 5329.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 165.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 11.8g
- Sugars: 14.9g
- Protein: 324.9g
Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or stocking your freezer for quick weeknight meals, these Italian meatballs are a satisfying, protein-packed option that’s sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy! 🍝👨🍳🧄
