Easy Homemade Parmesan Meatballs
Try this Easy Homemade Parmesan Meatballs recipe.
Try this Easy Homemade Parmesan Meatballs recipe.
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 pound ground beef (i use 85/15)
- 1/4 cup fresh finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce (any brand)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 3 cloves minced)
- 1-2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 fresh, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh italian parsley roughly chopped
- Carbohydrate 10.3866225014971 g
- Cholesterol 0.14 mg
- Fat 0.859417500171868 g
- Fiber 0.844475015302129 g
- Protein 2.11430250021889 g
- Saturated Fat 0.233006500075092 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (130g)
- Sodium 285.853750000616 mg
- Sugar 9.54214748619493 g
- Trans Fat 0.101563000025061 g
- Calories 57 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Cover a 12-inch, oven-proof skillet (such as cast iron), or a rimmed cookie sheet with foil and set aside.
- Gently mix together meat, ½ cup Parmesan, ½ cup spaghetti sauce, Panko, garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Form meat mixture into even-sized balls (I like to use an ice cream scoop).
- Place in the foil-covered skillet or sheet pan close together but not touching.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Remove skillet from the oven.
- Carefully lift a corner of the foil with tongs to keep the dripping in the foil and transfer meatballs from the foil to the pan. If using a sheet pan, simply transfer to the skillet.
- Pour 1-2 cups spaghetti sauce over and around the meatballs, depending on how saucy you want them to be.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the meatballs, then Mozzarella, then parsley.
- Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until sauce is hot and cheese is completely melted.
- Serve hot with pasta or breadsticks, or on french rolls, with a big green salad on the side.
Easy Homemade Parmesan Meatballs: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. These Easy Homemade Parmesan Meatballs are a testament to that. They’re quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Forget those store-bought frozen meatballs – the taste difference is night and day! This recipe has become a staple in my household, a weeknight lifesaver that always impresses, even on the busiest of evenings.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the process is straightforward enough for even novice cooks to master. I love using 85/15 ground beef for its optimal blend of leanness and richness. It provides that juicy, flavorful bite without being overly greasy. The addition of Panko breadcrumbs gives the meatballs a wonderfully light and airy texture, preventing them from becoming dense and heavy. A secret weapon? Freshly grated Parmesan cheese! The flavor is far superior to the pre-grated kind, adding a sharp, salty note that perfectly complements the savory beef.
I usually make a double batch on Sundays, storing half in the freezer for those extra busy weeknights. They reheat beautifully, either in the microwave or oven, and are just as delicious the second time around. These meatballs are incredibly versatile. I serve them with spaghetti, of course, but they also shine atop a bed of creamy polenta, nestled in a hearty sub roll, or even added to a vibrant minestrone soup for a protein boost. The possibilities are truly endless.
Beyond their deliciousness, these meatballs are also a fantastic way to incorporate a healthy dose of protein into your family's diet. Ground beef is a great source of iron, and the addition of fresh herbs and spices adds a nutritional punch. The kids love them, which is always a win in my book! The vibrant green color from the added parsley not only makes them look visually appealing but also adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.
- Cheese variations: Try using a different type of cheese, such as Romano or Asiago.
- Add vegetables: Finely chopped onions, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to the meat mixture.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the meatballs with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or garlic bread.
These Easy Homemade Parmesan Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a shortcut to a delicious and satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity of this weeknight wonder. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
I encourage you to share your own variations and experiences with this recipe. What are your favorite ways to serve these meatballs? What additions or substitutions have you tried? Let's build a community of home cooks sharing their culinary creations and making weeknight dinners a little less stressful and a lot more delicious.
Happy cooking!
