### Meatball Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Bursting with Flavor
This Meatball Recipe creates tender, juicy homemade meatballs boasting a rich, savory taste that’s ideal for pasta paired with homemade marinara sauce, in meatball subs, or for meal prep. Baked in the oven for hassle-free cleanup, they’re easy to prepare and always a hit with the family.
#### Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Meatball Recipe
– **Flavor:** Tender and juicy with a savory, well-seasoned taste, enhanced by notes of Parmesan, garlic, herbs, and onion.
– **Freezing:** You can cook these meatballs immediately or prepare a large batch and freeze them for convenient weeknight dinners.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Enjoy with tomato sauce over spaghetti, in a meatball pasta bake, or on their own as a filling appetizer.
**Total Time:** 40 Minutes
**Makes:** 48 Meatballs
**Cooking Method:** Baked
### Ingredient Notes
– **Meat:** Opt for a blend of beef and pork. Some fat is essential for juiciness, so lean ground beef (80/20) is suggested. You can also consider ground turkey or chicken, or substitute with veal, lamb, or Italian sausage for added flavor.
– **Breadcrumbs:** Seasoned breadcrumbs enhance flavor, but any variety of breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs will work.
– **Onion:** Finely chop the onion for even blending in the meat mixture. For a milder taste, sauté until softened beforehand, or use onion powder as a substitute.
– **Italian Seasoning:** Contributes an additional herbal flavor, though the meatballs are still tasty without it, especially when using seasoned breadcrumbs.
### Tips for Perfect Meatballs
– **Don’t Overmix:** Stir the meatball mixture gently to prevent firm or tough meatballs.
– **Use a Cookie Scoop:** This ensures even portions for consistent baking.
– **Prevent Crunchy Onions:** Finely chop the onion or soften it first to eliminate crunchy pieces.
– **Roll Meatballs Gently:** A light touch keeps them tender; avoid packing them too tightly.
– **Use Parchment:** Bake on parchment for easy cleanup and to avoid sticking.
– **Use a Thermometer:** Verify doneness with an instant-read thermometer; meatballs should hit 160°F.
### Freezing and Storing Meatballs
– **To Freeze Raw Meatballs:** Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 4 months.
– **To Bake Raw Meatballs from Frozen:** Increase cooking time by 6 to 10 minutes or until they achieve an internal temperature of 160°F.
– **To Freeze Cooked Meatballs:** Bake as directed and cool on the baking sheet. After cooling, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, move to a freezer bag and store for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or simmer in marinara sauce until warmed through.
### Storing Homemade Meatballs
– **Leftovers:** Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of 4 days.
– **Reheating:** Reheat in sauce on the stovetop, in the microwave, or covered in the oven until warmed through.
– **Freezing Baked Meatballs:** Arrange on a baking sheet until firm, then place in a freezer bag for up to 4 months.
– **Baking Raw Frozen Meatballs:** Add 6 to 10 minutes to the baking time and check that they reach 160°F. To reheat cooked frozen meatballs, simmer in a covered skillet with a bit of water or sauce until thoroughly heated.
### Recipes to Use These Meatballs In
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### Meatball Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
3. Form the meat mixture into 48 meatballs, about 1 ½ tablespoons each, and arrange them on the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meatballs reach 160°F.
5. Serve with tomato sauce if desired.
### Nutrition Information (per serving of 4 meatballs)
– **Calories:** 235
– **Carbohydrates:** 5g
– **Protein:** 15g
– **Fat:** 17g
– **Sodium:** 256mg
This meatball recipe is not just a family favorite but a versatile dish that can be enjoyed across different meals. Happy cooking!