Heritage Meatballs

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 33 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Heritage Meatballs bring together the comforting flavors of a family dinner with a modern twist. This recipe is simple, yet it packs a punch of flavor that will make it a household favorite. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party.

Ingredients for Heritage Meatballs

Ground beef is the star of the show, providing a rich base for our meatballs. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together, giving the meatballs a nice texture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick that enhances the beef's flavor. Fresh parsley lightens things up with its herbal notes. A single egg ensures the mixture holds together without falling apart. Salt and black pepper bring out all the flavors, while minced garlic and finely chopped onion add depth and aroma. Finally, the tomato sauce envelops the meatballs in a tangy, slightly sweet cloak, while a touch of olive oil ensures they brown beautifully in the pan.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even cooking, try to make each meatball the same size.
  • If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly before shaping the meatballs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are cooked to at least 160°F internally.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh, green salad or steamed vegetables. They also work great as an appetizer at a party, served with toothpicks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground pork, turkey, or even a mix of meats if you prefer.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Heritage Meatballs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in your ground beef, then sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped parsley to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Crack the egg into the bowl, then season with salt and black pepper. Finally, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. You don't want to overmix, or the meatballs might turn out tough.

Next, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Once all your meatballs are shaped, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place the meatballs in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Let them brown on all sides, which should take about 8 minutes.

Once browned, pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 25 minutes. This will allow the meatballs to cook through and soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just a few simple steps.
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Perfect balance of savory beef and tangy tomato sauce.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion. Mix until just combined.
2. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add meatballs to the skillet and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes.
5. Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs.
6. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

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