How to Make Homemade Meatballs

Homemade Italian meatballs are much better than ready-made ones purchased at the store. They also don’t take very long to make. Serve the meatballs on top of spaghetti, on a sandwich or serve them as a main dish by themselves.

Things You'll Need

• 1/3 pound ground veal
• 1/3 pound ground beef
• 1/3 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 small finely chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Instructions

1. Combine the finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/2 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg and garlic in a bowl. Add a little salt and pepper. Make sure the onion is finely chopped or the water they release when cooked will make the meatballs fall apart.

2. Add the thawed meat to the bowl and use your hands to combine meat with other ingredients. Handle the meat as little as possible because excess handling will make it tough.

3. Shape the meat mixture into approximately 2-inch meatballs.

4. Cook the meatballs either by baking them in the oven or frying them in a skillet. If you bake the meatballs, heat the oven to 400 F and bake approximately 20 minutes, or until cooked through. If you choose to fry the meatballs, you will likely need to do it in multiple batches because they will not all fit in one pan. Do not add oil to the skillet -- the meat has enough fat to cook without sticking to the pan.

References

• Taste of Home: Italian Meatball Recipe