Imagine serving a dish that transports your guests straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite. These tender, flavorful meatballs are the star of the classic Italian wedding soup, promising to elevate your culinary skills from home cook to kitchen maestro. Whether you're preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a special gathering, these meatballs are your ticket to a mouthwatering Mediterranean experience that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands, ensuring even distribution of all components.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. This size ensures even cooking and is ideal for Italian wedding soup.
- Prepare a large skillet or sauté pan by heating it over medium-high heat. If desired, lightly coat the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the heated pan, leaving space between each to allow for even browning. Cook the meatballs, rotating them periodically to ensure all sides are golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which indicates the meatballs are fully cooked and safe to consume.
- Once cooked, remove meatballs from the pan and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. They are now ready to be added to your Italian wedding soup.
Tips
- For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently combine ingredients just until they're incorporated to prevent tough, dense meatballs.
- Wet your hands slightly with water before shaping meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers and help create smoother, more uniform shapes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and perfect doneness. The 160°F internal temperature guarantees your meatballs are cooked through without becoming dry.
- If you want to reduce oil splatter while cooking, consider baking the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of dried oregano or a splash of red wine to your meat mixture. These small additions can dramatically enhance the overall taste profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
