Juicy Meatball Recipe – Italian Special
These homemade meatballs are packed with flavor and juiciness, making them ideal for meal prep as they can be made ahead and frozen. They can be baked or sautéed, and are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or as a main course.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time30 min
Ingredients for Juicy Meatballs :
- Three slices of white bread with the crusts removed, diced
- Two-thirds cup cold water
- One pound lean ground beef, with 85/15 fat content
- One pound ground pork
- Quarter cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- One large egg
- Three cloves of garlic, minced
- Two tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- One teaspoon sea salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- Two tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
How to Make Meatballs :
In a large bowl, combine diced bread with 2/3 cup water. Set aside for 5 minutes, then mash with a fork. In the meantime, prepare the remaining ingredients.
To the bowl of mashed bread crumbs, add ground beef, ground pork, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Use your hands to gently stir the mixture until well combined. Avoid overmixing.
Portion the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (about 2 tablespoons per meatball – an ice cream scoop works well). With damp hands, roll the mixture into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
How to Cook Meatballs :
To Sauté: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs into the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear. Sauté, turning every 2 minutes for a total of 6-8 minutes, or until the meatballs are evenly browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Serve as is or use in any recipe that calls for meatballs.
To Bake Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each meatball. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-23 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the centers reach 160°F. For a nicer color, you can broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
