Ultimate Guide to Making Juicy and Tender Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Recipe
Guide or Summary:IngredientsInstructionsTips for the Best MeatballsIngredients- 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs- 1/4 cup of grate……
Guide or Summary:
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the meatballs.
2. **Mix the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Form the Meatballs**: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small to medium-sized meatballs. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. **Add Olive Oil**: Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil. This step not only adds flavor but also helps to prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet.
5. **Bake the Meatballs**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. To ensure doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F (71°C).
6. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them on their own, with your favorite pasta, or as a topping for pizza.
Tips for the Best Meatballs
- **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh ingredients will always yield better results. If possible, use fresh garlic, onion, and parsley.
- **Don't Overwork the Meat**: Overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients gently and shape the meatballs by hand.
- **Let the Meatballs Rest**: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatballs juicier.
- **Adjust the Seasoning**: Taste the meatballs before baking and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or oregano to suit your taste.
By following this simple and delicious recipe, you can create juicy and tender meatballs that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of cooking and the satisfaction of creating a mouthwatering dish from scratch.