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Classic beef meatballs

by Victoria

Let’s talk about those days when you crave something comforting, something that feels like a warm hug in food form. Enter: Classic Beef Meatballs. These aren’t just any meatballs—they’re the kind that simmer in a rich, savory sauce, bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them with a pile of spaghetti or tucking them into a sub roll, these meatballs are the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.

Picture this: you’re in the kitchen, the aroma of garlic and onions sautéing in olive oil fills the air. The sound of meatballs sizzling in the pan is music to your ears, promising a meal that’s as delicious as it is comforting. What makes these meatballs so special? It’s all about the balance—tender beef, just the right amount of breadcrumbs, a touch of Parmesan, and plenty of fresh herbs. The secret is in the simmer, letting the meatballs bathe in a tomato sauce that soaks up all those incredible flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or just treating yourself to something homemade, these Classic Beef Meatballs are sure to hit the spot. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to serve in countless ways. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation.


Classic Comfort in Every Bite
These Classic Beef Meatballs are all about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something spectacular. With tender ground beef, garlic, Parmesan, and a mix of herbs, each meatball is a little package of flavor. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they absorb all those delicious juices, making them juicy and flavorful.

The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. Serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or even on their own as a hearty appetizer. And let’s not forget how easy they are to prepare—just mix, shape, and cook. In no time, you’ll have a dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.


A Family Favorite: The Meatball That Brings Everyone to the Table

Let me share a little story—these Classic Beef Meatballs have become a staple in our household, especially on Sunday evenings. My husband has always been a fan of a good meatball, and these hit all the right notes for him. Tender, juicy, and just the right amount of garlic. But what makes them truly special is how they bring us all together.

One Sunday, after a long, busy week, I decided to whip up a batch of these meatballs. The kids were playing outside, and as soon as they smelled the sauce simmering, they came running into the kitchen. We all gathered around the table, the meatballs piled high on a plate, and there was something so comforting about it. No rush, no fuss—just good food and great company. Now, whenever I ask what everyone wants for dinner, there’s no debate. It’s meatballs, every time.


Why These Classic Beef Meatballs?

Uniqueness: These meatballs are a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. They’re made with classic ingredients, but the method of simmering them in tomato sauce takes them to the next level.

Ingredients: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs. Everything comes together to create meatballs that are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Flavors: Expect a savory, rich taste with just a hint of garlic and herbs, complemented by the depth of a slow-simmered tomato sauce.

Tips:

  • Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Perfect Sear: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the meatballs to get a good sear without sticking.
  • Sauce Choice: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best flavor.

Substitutions and Variations:

  • Meat Options: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.
  • Cheese Variations: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Make a Healthier Version:

  • Lean Beef: Use 90% lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Low Carb: Skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour instead.
  • Lower Fat: Bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying.

And there you have it! These Classic Beef Meatballs are a timeless dish that never fails to impress. Give them a try, and don’t forget to let us know how they turn out. And while you’re at it, explore some of our other recipes—you’re sure to find something new to love!


Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I freeze these meatballs?
    Yes, freeze them after cooking, and reheat them in the sauce when ready to serve.
  2. What can I serve with these meatballs?
    They’re perfect with pasta, in a sub, or served with mashed potatoes.
  3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
    Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. How long can I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  5. Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
    Yes, substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  6. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
    Crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour can be used as a substitute.
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Classic beef meatballs


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  • Author: Victoria

Description

Let’s talk about those days when you crave something comforting, something that feels like a warm hug in food form. Enter: Classic Beef Meatballs. These aren’t just any meatballs—they’re the kind that simmer in a rich, savory sauce, bursting with flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound ground beef,

1 pound ground pork,

2 large eggslightly beaten

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil, then set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Add ground beef, ground pork, eggs, olive oil, and garlic to bowl with dry ingredients. Using a spatula (or even just your hands), mix or knead meat into dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.
1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of meat mixture and work it with your hands. For best results, gently press meat as you roll it into a ball; doing this will help meatballs keep their shape. If there are any seams along meatball surface, pinch them closed, then roll meatball between your hands until smooth. Take about 10-20 seconds for each meatball to ensure they’re rolled correctly. Once finished, place meatballs on prepared baking sheet; it’s okay if meatballs are placed close together, but ensure they’re not touching. Repeat this step until all meat mixture has been used.
Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve as desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 61
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 21mg

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