Name: Simple Meatball Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup milk; 1 large egg; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

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If you have been on the hunt for a comforting, delicious, and fuss-free dish, this Simple Meatball Recipe is exactly what your kitchen has been craving. Whether you’re serving them over spaghetti, piling them into a sub, or offering them as irresistible appetizers, these tender, juicy meatballs are bursting with flavor thanks to a handful of basic pantry staples. Ready in under half an hour and adaptable to your preferences, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. At the bottom center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with raw ground meat that is red and slightly marbled with white fat. Above it are two white bowls side by side, each filled with light beige powders, one finer and the other slightly coarser. To the right of them is a white bowl filled with thick, bright red ketchup. Above those, in a row, from left to right, there is an empty white bowl, a bowl with bright yellow liquid that looks like oil, a dark brown liquid, a white powder, a small wooden bowl with salt, and another small wooden bowl holding a white egg. The bowls are clean and neatly arranged on the smooth surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add just the right touch of flavor, moisture, and texture, ensuring your meatballs turn out perfectly every time.

Ground beef (or ground turkey): The base that makes your meatballs tender and protein-packed.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture and keep meatballs light instead of dense.
Milk: Adds moisture, tenderizing the meatballs as they cook.
Large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold all the ingredients together.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Boosts flavor with a salty, nutty kick that complements the meat beautifully.
Garlic, minced: Infuses the meatballs with a warm, aromatic punch.
Italian seasoning: Adds herbal depth and classic Mediterranean flair.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle, spicy note.
Olive oil (for cooking): Prevents sticking and creates a gorgeous golden crust.

How to Make Simple Meatball Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs

Start by combining your breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Letting the breadcrumbs soak for about a minute softens them, which keeps your meatballs tender and moist instead of dry or crumbly.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Now add your ground meat, the egg, Parmesan cheese if using, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon just until combined—overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so be careful!

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Once mixed, roll the meat mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. This size allows for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces whether served solo or with sauce.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange your meatballs without crowding and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust outside and fully cooked juicy meat inside.

Step 5: Serve or Simmer in Sauce

These meatballs are wonderfully versatile: serve them straight from the skillet as appetizers or load them into a sauce and let them simmer gently to soak up more flavor.

How to Serve Simple Meatball Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds vibrant color and freshness. Grating a bit more Parmesan on top is always a crowd-pleaser, too!

Side Dishes

The classic combo is marinara spaghetti, but don’t stop there: garlic bread, creamy polenta, or a crisp green salad make excellent companions that round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve meatballs as sliders or on skewers drizzled with your favorite dipping sauce. You can also turn them into a hearty meatball sub with melted cheese and roasted peppers for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you just might!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to four days.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep them for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until warmed through to preserve their juicy texture. Adding a splash of water or sauce can keep them nice and moist.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Simple Meatball Recipe and gives a lighter option while still maintaining great flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice to keep your meatballs tender and avoid dryness.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary?

Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended as it adds depth and a savory boost. If you’re avoiding dairy, simply omit it and your meatballs will still be tasty.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Baking at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 to 18 minutes is a great hands-off alternative that results in deliciously cooked meatballs with less oil.

How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Feel free to experiment by adding finely chopped onions, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Meatball Recipe is one of those timeless delights that’s endlessly adaptable and so rewarding to make. From the very first bite, you’ll appreciate how such straightforward ingredients come together into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner or party appetizer waiting in the kitchen!

Chef MARTHA

Simple Meatball Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need