Description
These homemade meatballs are a classic, flavorful recipe made with ground beef, finely minced onion, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked either on the stovetop in a skillet for a crispy outside or baked in the oven for convenience. Perfect as a main dish or served with pasta and sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, finely minced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (optional, or use 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Combine: Add all ingredients to a medium-large mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands (wear disposable gloves if preferred) to thoroughly mix. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough and dry, but ensure the mixture sticks together well.
- Shape: Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls, approximately 1 tablespoon per meatball. Using a cookie scoop helps with uniform size. Place the formed meatballs on a lightly oiled plate or lined baking sheet to prepare for cooking.
- Cook on Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the hot skillet and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. If your skillet can’t fit all the meatballs in a single layer, cook them in batches.
- Or Bake in Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through, turning once halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but dried parsley works well too.
- Using a cookie scoop ensures evenly sized meatballs for even cooking.
- If baking, turning the meatballs halfway helps achieve uniform browning.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta for a classic meal.
