Get ready to transport yourself to an Italian grandmother's kitchen with these mouthwatering, incredibly tender meatballs that are guaranteed to become the star of your dinner table! This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, promising a culinary experience that's both nostalgic and absolutely delicious. Imagine perfectly browned meatballs simmering in rich marinara sauce, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone running to the dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. If desired, lightly coat the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the formed meatballs into the skillet, allowing space between each one. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently to create a golden crust, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, covering the meatballs partially. Reduce heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 35-40 minutes, occasionally turning the meatballs to ensure even cooking and sauce coverage.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs, which should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- • Use room temperature ingredients to help the meatballs bind together more easily • Don't overwork the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep meatballs tender • Use a light touch when forming meatballs to prevent them from becoming dense • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of milk to your breadcrumbs before mixing • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F • Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help them retain their juices • For a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of pan-frying
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
