Tender Italian Beef Meatballs
A classic, flavorful meatball perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or appetizers. Moist, tender, and rich in traditional Italian flavors.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound approximately 450 grams of 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herb blend
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of finely grated or minced yellow onion
- 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped or pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for topping
- Olive oil for skillet preparation (if choosing to pan-fry)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven (for Baking Method):
- Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking tray by covering it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
Soften the Breadcrumbs:
- Place the dry breadcrumbs into a mixing bowl and pour in the milk. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can fully absorb the liquid.
Incorporate Aromatics and Seasoning:
- Into the softened breadcrumb mixture, add the egg, garlic, grated onion, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
Add the Ground Beef:
- Introduce the ground beef to the bowl and gently fold the mixture together with clean hands or a spoon, just until the ingredients are uniformly combined. Avoid overworking the mixture to retain tenderness.
Shape the Meatballs:
- Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet or a plate if you are pan-frying them.
Cook the Meatballs:
Option 1 – Oven-Baked:
- Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden-brown on the outside and cooked through internally.
Option 2 – Pan-Searing:
- Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even browning on all sides. For added flavor, you may simmer them in marinara sauce for an additional 10 minutes after browning.
Serve:
- Top with chopped parsley if using, and enjoy hot alongside pasta, crusty bread, or as an appetizer.