Italian Beef Meatballs
Italian Beef Meatballs are a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Rome with every bite. These meatballs are not only scrumptious but also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or an easy weeknight meal. Imagine taking a succulent bite into a warm, savory ball of ground beef enveloped in a blanket of gooey pizza sauce, with hints of garlic and herbs tantalizing your taste buds. Why settle for store-bought when you can craft these indulgent morsels in the comfort of your own kitchen?
What’s not to love about a dish that evokes nostalgia and comfort while also being kid-friendly and fast to prepare? These Italian Beef Meatballs are begging to grace your dinner table, providing warmth and satisfaction that will make even the pickiest eaters feel embraced.
What’s Your Favorite Comfort Food Memory?
Do you recall the comforting aroma of meatballs simmering in sauce as a child? It seems that every family gathering was incomplete without a hearty platter of these delights. Picture the laughter among loved ones as hearty servings of meatballs are devoured. How do those memories make you feel?
Italian Beef Meatballs can evoke similar feelings; they’re a joyful reminder of home-cooked meals filled with love and shared moments. Are you ready to create new memories to savor?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these Italian Beef Meatballs for so many reasons! Firstly, they boast an easy prep time, eliminating the common dinner-time stress. The ingredients are simple, making it a quick trip to your pantry.
They’re a total crowd-pleaser as well. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these meatballs come to the rescue. The taste is rich and indulgent without being overly complicated, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re adaptable; you can pair them with spaghetti, serve them in subs, or enjoy them on their own.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces pizza sauce
With each ingredient, you can feel the love seeping in. The Parmesan adds a richness, the breadcrumbs create that perfect texture, and the combination of herbs and spices promises an explosion of flavor. Each pinch and scoop is an invitation to indulge in an irresistible journey of savory satisfaction.
Timing
These Italian Beef Meatballs are the epitome of a quick yet indulgent dish. From start to finish, you can prepare and bake them in less than an hour. It’s fast enough to fit into a busy weeknight while still feeling luxurious enough for special occasions. They’re the ultimate solution for satisfying cravings without sacrificing your valuable time.
Step-by-Step
Begin by combining the Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, large egg, heavy cream, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried basil, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Use a fork to stir until you see a gorgeous texture formed, as the flavors mingle seamlessly.
Next, add the pound of ground beef to the bowl. This is where the magic happens! Using the fork, gently mix until everything is evenly combined, encouraging that delightful protein to absorb all of the flavors.
Now for the fun part! Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture into perfectly rounded meatballs. Roll them in your hands to ensure that cozy shape. Don’t worry if they get a little sticky; that’s just the gooey goodness trying to escape!
Chill the meatballs for 30 minutes; this helps them hold their shape while cooking.
While they’re chillin’, preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat up a skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches and let them brown for 3-4 minutes on one side. Gently flip them to brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes until they have that delicious golden crust.
Here comes the magic: pour the luscious pizza sauce around the meatballs.
Then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F—which usually takes about 8-12 minutes. As they bake, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making your stomach rumble in anticipation!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these delectable Italian Beef Meatballs packs in about 250-300 calories, depending on portion size.
However, let yourself indulge! They’re the kind of treat that’s worth every deserved calorie. Bring on that ooey-gooey goodness and revel in each bite!
Healthier Alternatives
Want to make these meatballs a tad lighter? Consider using lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a less fatty option. You can also substitute the heavy cream for a low-fat dairy option or almond milk for a lighter touch.
Looking to lessen the carbs? Opt for almond flour instead of Panko breadcrumbs.
These swaps will still deliver a delightful flavor without compromising on your health goals.
Serving Suggestions
Think of all the delightful ways to serve your Italian Beef Meatballs! They’re delicious on their own with a light sprinkle of fresh parsley.
You can serve them atop a fluffy bed of spaghetti with an extra drizzle of that scrumptious pizza sauce, or nestle them in a crispy sub and melt some gooey cheese on top for a mouthwatering meatball sandwich.
For a festive touch, whip them up during holiday gatherings and watch the plate disappear in no time!
Common Mistakes
Avoid overbaking your meatballs; they may become dry and lose that succulent tenderness. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature and remove them just as they hit 160°F.
Another mistake is not chilling them long enough; they could fall apart during cooking. Lastly, don’t be too aggressive while mixing; you want to preserve that soft, airy texture, so treat them gently!
Storing Tips
Get the most out of your Italian Beef Meatballs by freezing portions for those busy nights. Once they’re cooled, tuck them in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
When you’re ready for another indulgent feast, pop them in the microwave or oven until heated through. Easy and convenient!
Temptation Awaits
You can practically smell those mouthwatering Italian Beef Meatballs enticing you right now.
Take some time today to gather those simple ingredients and transform them into a meal bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Your family will gather around the dinner table, laughter and joy surrounding you as you dig into this divine dish. Make Italian Beef Meatballs your go-to recipe and savor not just the food but the memories created along the way.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork to switch things up.
2. How can I ensure my meatballs hold their shape?
Chilling them for about 30 minutes before cooking helps them retain their shape and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them the day before and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use.
4. What can I serve with meatballs besides spaghetti?
They pair excellently with polenta, on a sub roll for sandwiches, or even with a side of garlic bread!
5. Are these meatballs kid-friendly?
Definitely! The combination of flavors is mild yet delicious, making them appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Print
Italian Beef Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious and versatile Italian Beef Meatballs, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces pizza sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, heavy cream, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried basil, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until a cohesive mixture is formed.
- Add the ground beef to the mixture and gently combine until evenly mixed.
- Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to form meatballs and roll them in your hands.
- Chill the meatballs for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown meatballs in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip to brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour pizza sauce around the meatballs.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Notes
Chilling the meatballs helps them hold their shape during cooking. Avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
