Ground Beef Meatballs
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Delicious and juicy ground beef meatballs, perfect for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a tasty appetizer.
These ground beef meatballs are a family favorite, combining simple ingredients for a hearty and satisfying meal. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed in various ways, from spaghetti and meatballs to meatball subs.
Why You'll Love These Meatballs
- Juicy and flavorful with every bite
- Versatile for multiple meals and occasions
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
The Perfect Meatball for Any Occasion
Ground beef meatballs are an incredibly versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you're preparing a classic spaghetti and meatballs dinner, whipping up a meatball sub, or serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering, these meatballs fit perfectly into a variety of cuisines and settings. Their savory flavor and satisfying texture pair wonderfully with a wide range of sauces, from marinara to BBQ, making them a staple in many kitchens.
One of the best aspects of these meatballs is their ability to adapt to different flavor profiles. You can easily modify the seasonings or add ingredients like cheese or vegetables to suit your taste. This flexibility ensures that you'll never get tired of this delicious dish, as it can be reinvented time and time again.
Quick and Easy to Make
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be challenging. That's where this ground beef meatball recipe shines. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. This makes them ideal for busy weeknights when you need to feed your family quickly without sacrificing flavor.
The straightforward process of mixing, shaping, and baking these meatballs means you can easily involve your kids in the kitchen, turning dinner into a fun family activity. Plus, leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient option for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Healthy and Homemade
One of the greatest benefits of making your own meatballs is knowing exactly what goes into them. Store-bought options can often contain fillers and preservatives that you may want to avoid. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a healthy, homemade version that is free from unwanted additives and can be tailored to meet dietary preferences, such as using lean ground beef or incorporating whole-grain breadcrumbs.
Additionally, these meatballs are a great source of protein and can be paired with nutrient-rich sides like salads or roasted vegetables, making them a well-rounded meal option. By preparing them at home, you not only control the ingredients but also the portion sizes, allowing for healthier eating habits.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl before shaping into meatballs.
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Shape the meatballs
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
Serve
Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce or as desired.
Enjoy your homemade ground beef meatballs!
Storage and Reheating Tips
After enjoying your fresh ground beef meatballs, you may find yourself with leftovers. To store them, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, or you can freeze them for longer storage—up to three months. Just be sure to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is simple. You can warm them in the microwave, but for the best results and to retain their juicy texture, consider placing them in a skillet with a little sauce over medium heat. Cover the skillet to help them steam and heat through evenly.
Serving Suggestions
These ground beef meatballs shine in a variety of dishes. For a classic meal, serve them over spaghetti with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. You can also place them in a toasted sub roll, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, for a hearty meatball sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you're looking for an appetizer option, serve the meatballs on toothpicks with a side of dipping sauce, such as marinara or a spicy sriracha mayo. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board, where guests can help themselves to these bite-sized delights.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to customize these meatballs to suit your taste preferences. Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the mix for extra flavor and nutrition. You could even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
Experimenting with different herbs and spices can also enhance the flavor profile. Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth, or try incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for an aromatic twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a version of these meatballs that fits your unique palate.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use lean ground beef?
Yes, lean ground beef works well, but the meatballs may turn out less juicy.
→ How do I store leftover meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with meatballs?
Meatballs are great with pasta, in sandwiches, or served as appetizers with dipping sauces.
Ground Beef Meatballs
Delicious and juicy ground beef meatballs, perfect for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a tasty appetizer.
Created by: Aubrey Whitman
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ground Beef Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce or as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 22g