Introduction
These juicy homemade meatballs are packed with ground beef, garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley. They are tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making them perfect for pasta, sandwiches, rice, mashed potatoes, or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
Method
Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
Add the breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
Gently mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in diameter.
Place the shaped meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches, leaving enough space between them.
Cook for about 8–12 minutes, turning them regularly so they brown evenly on all sides and cook through.
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
Remove the cooked meatballs and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
For a saucier version, place the cooked meatballs in your favorite tomato sauce and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.
Baking Method
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the meatballs on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, depending on their size.
Check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
Benefits
Ground beef provides protein and important nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Parsley adds freshness and small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants.
Garlic and onion provide flavor while contributing plant compounds to the dish.
Making meatballs at home also allows you to control the amount of salt, fat, and other ingredients.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per 4 meatballs:
Calories: 320
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the type and fat percentage of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and the final serving size.
Tips
Use ground beef with moderate fat content for tender and juicy meatballs.
Do not overwork the meat mixture.
Wet your hands slightly when shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
Make the meatballs similar in size so they cook evenly.
For extra tenderness, allow the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before shaping.
You can replace some of the beef with ground pork for a richer flavor.
Freeze uncooked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen.
Conclusion
These homemade garlic herb meatballs are simple, tender, and full of comforting flavor. They can be browned in a skillet or baked in the oven and served with tomato sauce, pasta, rice, vegetables, or crusty bread for an easy and satisfying meal.