The Best Meatballs
Juicy, flavorful meatballs with garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and Italian bread crumbs, perfect for serving over pasta or in sandwiches, appealing to family and dinner guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Add water gradually to the mixture as needed to help combine.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Roll each meatball in flour.
- Brown the meatballs in a small amount of hot olive oil until evenly cooked and browned.
- Add the browned meatballs to your favorite spaghetti sauce and simmer until fully cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best meatballs, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to help bind them better. If you don't have Italian seasoned bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs mixed with Italian herbs. Adding a splash of milk can also enhance the moisture in the meatballs. Don't overcrowd the pan while browning to achieve a nice crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti for a classic meal, or pair them with Herbed Pasta And Vegetables for a lighter option. They also make great meatball subs when placed in a toasted hoagie roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese. A side of garlic bread complements the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a little sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals until hot. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Meatballs contains roughly 667 calories, with 24g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (110% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1275mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can form and freeze the meatballs raw, then cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for ground chuck?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground chuck. If you prefer a richer flavor, a mix of pork and beef will also work well. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if your meat is pre-seasoned.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way to check if meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have one, cut a meatball in half and ensure there’s no pink inside and the juices run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).