The Delicious Art of Baked Meatballs: A Game-Changer for Mealtime
When it comes to cooking meatballs, many of us default to the traditional method of pan-frying or deep-frying. While these methods can produce delicious results, they often require a significant amount of oil and can leave meatballs feeling greasy and heavy. Enter baked meatballs, a game-changing alternative that offers a healthier, easier, and more flavorful way to cook these tasty treats.
The Benefits of Baked Meatballs
So, why choose baked meatballs over their fried counterparts? For starters, baking eliminates the need for excess oil, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their fat intake. Baked meatballs also retain their natural moisture and texture, resulting in a tender and juicy bite. Plus, the oven does the work for you, allowing for a hands-off cooking experience that’s perfect for busy home cooks.
The Basics of Baking Meatballs
Baking meatballs is a simple process that requires just a few basic ingredients and tools. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination of the two)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
- Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Creative Ways to Use Baked Meatballs
Baked meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few creative ways to use them:
- Subs and Sandwiches: Serve baked meatballs on sub rolls with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious Italian-inspired sandwich.
- Pasta Dishes: Toss baked meatballs with pasta, marinara sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Appetizers and Snacks: Serve baked meatballs with toothpicks and a side of marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.
- Casseroles and Stews: Add baked meatballs to your favorite casseroles and stews for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
Conclusion
Baked meatballs are a game-changing alternative to traditional fried meatballs. With their moist texture, rich flavor, and ease of preparation, they’re a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their mealtime routine. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, baked meatballs are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you’re in the mood for meatballs, give baking a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Baked Meatballs
# [Baked Meatballs Video and Full Recipe!](https://tastefullygrace.com/baked-italian-meatballs/)
**Ingredients**
* ½ pound cold ground beef 80/20 is best
* ½ pound cold ground pork
* 4 ounces diced pancetta
* ½ cup Italian cheese blend finely shredded works best
* ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1 small yellow onion peeled
* 2 large garlic cloves minced
* 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
* 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon tomato paste
* 1 large egg
* ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
2. In a dry pan, add the diced pancetta and cook over medium heat until just crispy. Remove the pancetta pieces from the pan with a slotted spoon, into a medium bowl.
3. Use the coarse setting of a cheese grater to grate yellow onion into the same bowl. Leave both the onion and its juices in the bowl.
4. Add the cheese blend, panko, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, egg, fennel seeds, and salt and pepper to the bowl. Mix until incorporated.
5. Then add the beef and pork. Use your hands (best method) or two large spoons to mix together ingredients, until they’re well combined but not over-worked.
6. Form ¼ cup-sized balls and place meatballs about an inch apart on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 16-20 minutes, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Serve with your favorite tomato sauce, or however you’d like!
Try only using 2 egg yolks instead of 1 whole egg – makes for a richer meatball imo. But this sounds delish!
Omg that looks delicious!
Thanks 🙏 I like it
Love this, meatballs are the best for meal prep
Looks delicious! Meatballs; so simple of a concept but so full of flavor. The pancetta probably does wonders in these.
These are amazing! Thank you!
These baked meatballs look like the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for a cozy dinner with a side of pasta or a hearty sandwich. Definitely trying this soon!
Thanks!
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