Hearty Homestyle Meatballs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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These Hearty Homestyle Meatballs are your answer to a cozy, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. With a perfect blend of savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is a timeless favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Hearty Homestyle Meatballs

Ground beef forms the heart of these meatballs, providing a rich, juicy texture. Choose an 80/20 blend for the best flavor. Breadcrumbs are key in binding the meatballs together and keeping them tender. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth with its sharp, nutty flavor. Parsley introduces a fresh herbaceous note, balancing the richness. Garlic brings a touch of pungency, enhancing all other flavors. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape. Salt and black pepper season the meatballs perfectly, while red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Marinara sauce envelops the meatballs, offering a luscious, tangy finish. Finally, olive oil helps sear the meatballs to golden perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a cookie scoop to portion the meatballs evenly — it saves time and keeps your hands clean.
  • If you prefer a finer texture, run the breadcrumbs through a food processor before mixing.
  • Searing the meatballs before baking locks in moisture and enhances flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs shine over a bed of spaghetti. Alternatively, serve them on a toasted sub roll with melted mozzarella for a hearty sandwich. Pair them with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you're looking for a lighter option. Just be mindful of the cooking time as lean meats can dry out faster.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months.

Hearty Homestyle Meatballs Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven preheating to 375°F. This ensures it’s ready for the meatballs after they’re seared. In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently — you want everything just combined without overmixing because that can make the meatballs tough.

Once mixed, shape your meat mixture into 1-inch balls. This size is ideal for even cooking and fits perfectly in your skillet. Speaking of which, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place your meatballs in the skillet, giving them a little space to brown on all sides. It should take about 5 minutes to achieve that beautiful golden crust.

After the meatballs are seared, pour your marinara sauce over them. Make sure each meatball is well-coated — this is where they’ll soak up all that lovely flavor. Then, slide your skillet into the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 25 minutes until cooked through. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. The aroma will be tempting, but a short rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors with a hint of spice.
  • Versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
  • Oven-baked for a healthier twist on a classic.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
2 cups marinara sauce
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Mix ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
6. Add meatballs to skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes.
7. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

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