Description
Savory basil & garlic meatballs deliver Mediterranean comfort straight to your plate. Packed with fresh herbs and rich seasonings, these tender bites promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Herbs and Liquids:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and oregano in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Gently incorporate milk into the meat mixture, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly integrated and uniform.
- Using clean hands, carefully craft uniform spherical meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Arrange the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow proper heat circulation.
- Heat oven to 400F (200C) and position rack in the middle position for optimal cooking environment.
- Roast meatballs for 18-20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to promote even browning and guarantee internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
- Alternative cooking method: Pan-fry meatballs in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, rotating periodically to achieve golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Transfer cooked meatballs to desired serving platform – atop pasta, nestled in a sandwich, or presented as an appetizer accompanied by marinara sauce.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s lower in fat and calories.
- Add extra moisture by mixing in grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and binding properties.
- Create make-ahead convenience by preparing and freezing uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months, allowing quick meal preparation on busy nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg