Excellent Meatballs Recipe

Excellent Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Whether served in marinara sauce, on a sub sandwich, or as a snack with dipping sauce, these meatballs will be a hit at your next meal. Here’s a recipe for Excellent Meatballs that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh or panko for a lighter texture)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• Olive oil (for frying, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef-pork mix), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Pour the milk over the mixture and mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

• Using your hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-18 meatballs, depending on size.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

• Option 1: Pan-Fry – Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 160°F/71°C).
• Option 2: Bake – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

4. Serve:

• Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sub sandwich with melted cheese, or on their own with your favorite dipping sauce.
• Garnish with extra fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs:

• Don’t overmix the ingredients, as this can lead to dense meatballs.
• For added flavor, you can sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding it to the meat mixture.
• If you want to freeze the meatballs, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet and transfer them to a bag once frozen. You can cook them directly from frozen when ready to use.

Enjoy your Excellent Meatballs—a classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser!