Meatballs are a beloved dish made from ground meat, typically beef, pork, or a mixture of both, combined with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. You start by mixing the ground meat with breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, minced garlic, chopped onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and either baked or fried until golden brown and cooked through. Meatballs are versatile and can be served with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with a dipping sauce, making them a popular choice for many meals.
The history of meatballs dates back to ancient times, with early recipes found in Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Roman cookbooks. In the Middle Ages, meatballs became a staple in many European cuisines, evolving with regional flavors and ingredients. Italian immigrants brought their version of meatballs to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where they quickly became a favorite in Italian-American cuisine, often served with spaghetti and tomato sauce. Today, meatballs are enjoyed worldwide, each culture adding its unique twist to this timeless recipe. Whether as an appetizer, main course, or snack, meatballs continue to be a versatile and comforting dish loved by many.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6
**Yield:** Approximately 24 meatballs
#### Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, beaten egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. **Shape Meatballs:** Form the mixture into small, equal-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. **Heat Oil:** In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. **Cook Meatballs:** Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, cooking until all sides are browned and meatballs are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes per batch. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
5. **Serve:** Serve the meatballs hot, with pasta, in a sandwich, or with your favorite sauce.
Enjoy these classic meatballs, perfect for any meal and sure to be a hit with family and friends.