Beef meatballs are a classic, comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With tender ground beef, breadcrumbs, and the perfect seasonings, these meatballs are sure to satisfy. Whether for a family dinner or a quick meal, this recipe is a go-to for delicious, juicy meatballs every time.
Key Benefits
Beef meatballs are not only a comforting dish but also a versatile one, making them a great option for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Customizable: Want to switch things up? You can easily add or remove ingredients like cheese, spices, or herbs to match your preferences. This recipe is adaptable to suit any taste.
Tender and Juicy Texture: The key to making perfect beef meatballs is getting the right texture. With a blend of ground beef and breadcrumbs, these meatballs remain moist and tender, never dry. The use of egg helps bind the ingredients together for a smooth consistency.
Packed with Flavor: Each bite is bursting with the savory richness of ground beef, complemented by the fragrant aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, they’ll be full of flavor.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time. From mixing the ingredients to cooking the meatballs, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Versatile Serving Options: Beef meatballs can be paired with pasta, served as appetizers, or enjoyed in a sub sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and you can even freeze them for later use.
Ingredients
Ground beef (85% lean) – Provides the rich flavor and moisture needed for juicy meatballs.
Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and add moisture.
Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory flavor and helps with binding.
Garlic – Adds aromatic flavor to the meatballs.
Onion – Adds sweetness and moisture to balance the beef.
Dried oregano & dried basil – Brings classic Italian seasoning to the meatballs.
Salt and pepper – Season to enhance the flavors.
Olive oil – Used for sautéing the onion and garlic and frying the meatballs.
Instructions
Making these beef meatballs is simple and quick, and the result is absolutely delicious! Follow these easy steps for perfect meatballs every time:
Prep the Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and get the breadcrumbs ready.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened. Set aside.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, oregano, basil, sautéed onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 12-16 meatballs, about 1-2 tablespoons each.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes.
Optional – Add Sauce: For saucy meatballs, add marinara sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or with veggies.
Pro Tips
To make sure your beef meatballs turn out perfect every time, here are some expert tips and tricks that will elevate your cooking game:
Don’t Overmix the Meat:
When combining the ground beef with the other ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can result in dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined, and your meatballs will stay light and juicy.
Use a Light Hand When Forming Meatballs:
You want to handle the meatball mixture as little as possible to keep them tender. Lightly roll the mixture into balls using your hands, and don’t pack them too tightly. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from becoming too dense.
Sear, Then Simmer:
For crispy, golden brown meatballs on the outside and juicy on the inside, be sure to sear them in hot oil before simmering. Once they’re browned, you can let them finish cooking in marinara sauce for an added flavor boost.
Consider Freezing for Later:
If you’re meal prepping, meatballs freeze wonderfully! Simply form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, you can cook them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor:
While dried herbs work great in this recipe, adding a small handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can take your meatballs to the next level. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the meat.
Check Internal Temperature:
To ensure your meatballs are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F for fully cooked, tender meatballs.
Variations
One of the best things about beef meatballs is how easily you can customize them to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to inspire your next batch:
Cheesy Beef Meatballs:
Add a surprise gooey center to your meatballs by stuffing them with mozzarella cheese. Simply form the meatballs around a small piece of cheese and cook as usual. The result? These are deliciously melty meatballs that will take your meal to the next level.
Spicy Beef Meatballs:
If you love a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the mix. You can also swap in spicy Italian sausage for some extra kick, balancing out the rich beef flavor with a bit of spice.
Herbed Beef Meatballs:
For a fresher flavor, try adding a handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme. These will bring a burst of color and an aromatic twist to your meatballs, making them extra vibrant and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Beef meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced, satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, here are some delicious serving suggestions:
Over Pasta:
Serve your meatballs on top of your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. The rich sauce and juicy meatballs pair perfectly with the noodles, making for a comforting and filling meal.
With a Side Salad:
For a lighter option, serve your meatballs alongside a fresh green salad. A simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs.
With Mashed Potatoes:
For a hearty meal, pair your beef meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth, buttery potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful sauce from the meatballs.
FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about making beef meatballs. These insights will help you perfect your meatball-making skills and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
What is the secret to making good meatballs?
The key to perfect meatballs lies in the balance of ingredients and technique. Don’t overmix the meat, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Use a gentle hand when forming the balls, and make sure to include moisture-rich ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs to keep them tender. Additionally, browning the meatballs before simmering them in sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor.
What to put in beef meatballs?
For flavorful beef meatballs, you’ll need basic ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and seasoning. You can enhance the flavor with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh or dried herbs like oregano and parsley, and a bit of salt and pepper. For extra moisture, add a small amount of milk or water to the mixture.
What not to do when making meatballs?
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when making meatballs:
Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
Don’t make the meatballs too large; they can cook unevenly.
Avoid using too much filler (like breadcrumbs) as it can make the meatballs too soft.
Don’t skip the browning step—this adds flavor and helps lock in moisture.
beef meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- Start by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Set them aside. Grate the Parmesan cheese if you haven’t already, and get your breadcrumbs ready.
Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should have about 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Cook in batches if necessary, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
Optional – Add Sauce:
- For a saucy dish, add your favorite marinara sauce to the pan once the meatballs are browned. Let them simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked, absorbing the delicious flavors.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and serve immediately. Enjoy them over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or simply on their own with a side of veggies.