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Meatball Recipe

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Juicy homemade meatballs made with ground beef, pork, parmesan cheese, and garlic. Easy family dinner recipe that’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for pasta nights.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

3 slices white bread, crusts removed and diced
2/3 cup milk or cold water
1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 fat content)
1 lb ground pork
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 large egg
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Place the diced bread in a large bowl and pour the milk or water over it.
Let the bread soak for 5 minutes, then mash it with a fork until smooth.
Add the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball.
With wet hands, roll into 1½-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Cook the Meatballs
Option 1: Sauté
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches, leaving space between them.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until evenly browned.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Option 2: Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the meatballs 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20–23 minutes or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
For a golden brown finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to ensure soft and tender meatballs.
Wet hands help prevent sticking when rolling the meatballs.
A cookie scoop or ice cream scoop makes portioning easier.
These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.
Serve with marinara sauce, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or in meatball subs.