Italian Meatballs Recipe
Overview
These Italian Meatballs are a versatile and handy addition to any kitchen, perfect for busy days or unexpected guests. They can be used in various dishes like pasta sauces, soups, as appetizers, or even as a main dish with vegetables. The recipe yields approximately 96 meatballs, making it ideal for batch cooking and freezing for future use.
Ratings and Nutrition
- Rating: 5 stars
- Calories: 76.7 per serving
- Fat Content: 3.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 34.4mg
- Sodium Content: 127mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 3.8g
- Fiber Content: 0.3g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 6.5g
Ingredients
- 4 cups lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 8 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons pine nuts
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Combine all your ingredients in a large steel bowl, preferably cold to begin. |
| 2 | Mix all ingredients thoroughly. |
| 3 | Let stand for 1/2 hour, to blend the ingredients– I loosely put a wax paper over the top and put the meat back in the fridge. |
| 4 | Shape into medium size meatballs about 2 1/2″ or so. |
| 5 | You can fry them at this point if you like– but I like them beautifully round so I put them in the oven for 1/2 hour at 350°F. When using them in your own sauce for spaghetti, gently cook them on medium-low for 1 hour so they absorb the flavors of the sauce or any other food you are cooking them with. |
| 6 | If you are freezing them: After baking, let them cool. Place in Zip-loc bags and store in freezer until ready for use. |
| 7 | You can quadruple this recipe and make as many as you wish. It is fast and easy. |
| 8 | This recipe makes approximately 96 meatballs. |
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Meatballs can be served with marinara sauce, in soups like wedding soup, or as part of a main course with vegetables. They also pair well with dips for appetizers. Let your imagination guide you with how to use these flavorful meatballs!
Storage Tips
To store, allow the meatballs to cool completely after baking. Place them in Zip-loc bags and store them in the freezer until ready to use. This makes them convenient for quick meals or unexpected company.
Additional Notes
- The nutmeg and pine nuts add a unique flavor dimension to these meatballs.
- For a quicker meal, prepare a large batch and freeze them for later use.
- Experiment with different sauces and serving styles to discover your favorite way to enjoy these Italian Meatballs.
Enjoy the convenience and flavor of these homemade Italian Meatballs in your favorite dishes or as standalone appetizers!
