Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering Italian Pork Sausage Meatballs! Bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every savory bite. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these meatballs are sure to impress. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you’ll be savoring these delightful morsels in no time. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delicious world of Italian cuisine!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground pork sausage, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Make sure to break up any clumps of sausage for even mixing.
- Add 1 egg to the mixture. The egg will act as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together during cooking.
- Incorporate the minced garlic (2 cloves) into the mixture. This will add a rich flavor to your meatballs.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once all the meatballs are formed, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare your favorite marinara sauce or serve them with pasta. You can also keep them warm in a skillet with sauce for a few minutes before serving.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help them retain their juices.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian pork sausage meatballs!
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality ground pork sausage. You can even experiment with different types, such as sweet or spicy Italian sausage, to customize the taste to your liking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Uniform Size: To ensure even cooking, try to make your meatballs the same size—about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter is ideal. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve uniformity.
- Baking Sheet Prep: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender and flavorful.
- Pairing Suggestions: These meatballs are fantastic on their own, but they shine even brighter when served with marinara sauce and spaghetti, or as a hearty filling for subs. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley for that finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 184kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 68mg
