Beef Meatball Recipe (with Video)

Beef Meatball Recipe: Beef meatballs are a delicious, versatile dish that can be served in various ways—over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer.

Making them at home ensures they are fresh, flavorful, and free from preservatives found in store-bought options.

This guide will walk you through a foolproof recipe for juicy and tender beef meatballs that will impress your family and guests.

Ingredients Required

To make the perfect beef meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio for juiciness)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ small onion (finely chopped or grated)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice, optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for moisture)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying, if pan-frying)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon for deeper umami flavor)
• Fresh basil (for an Italian twist)
• Dijon mustard (½ teaspoon for extra zing)

Substitutes for Dietary Preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
• Egg-Free: Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or a flaxseed egg.

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or whisk for beating eggs
• Large skillet (if pan-frying)
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Parchment paper (for baking)
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping meatballs)

How to Make Beef Meatball – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Choosing the Right Type of Beef

For tender, juicy meatballs, use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. Leaner beef (90/10) can result in drier meatballs, while too much fat can make them greasy.

Prepping the Ingredients

1. Finely chop the onion and garlic to ensure they blend well.
2. If using fresh herbs like parsley, chop them finely.
3. Grate the Parmesan cheese for a smoother mixture.

Step 2: Mixing the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, and seasonings.
2. Pour in the milk for added moisture.
3. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
4. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 3: Shaping the Meatballs

1. Wet your hands with water or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
3. Place shaped meatballs on a plate or lined baking sheet.
4. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Cooking Methods

You can cook beef meatballs in different ways depending on your preference:

Pan-Frying (For Crispy Meatballs)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Place meatballs in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Baking (Healthier Option)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Simmering in Sauce (Extra Flavor)

1. Brown meatballs slightly in a pan.
2. Add them to a pot of marinara sauce.
3. Simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

• Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve over pasta with marinara sauce and grated cheese.
• Meatball Subs: Load into a hoagie roll with melted mozzarella.
• Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks and dipping sauces.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overcooking: Leads to dry meatballs; avoid high heat.
• Not Enough Binder: Use egg and breadcrumbs to keep them together.
• Uneven Cooking: Ensure uniform size and proper spacing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze raw or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Variations of Beef Meatballs

• Italian: Add basil and oregano.
• Mexican: Mix in cumin and chili powder.
• Asian: Use soy sauce and ginger.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 10g

FAQs about Beef Meatball Recipe

What kind of beef is best for meatballs?

For the juiciest meatballs, choose ground beef with a higher fat content, ideally around 15-20% fat. This ensures flavorful and moist meatballs. Ground chuck is a popular choice due to its ideal fat-to-lean ratio and robust flavor.

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

To keep your meatballs intact, use a binding agent such as breadcrumbs mixed with milk (panade) and eggs. The panade adds moisture and acts as a glue, helping the meatballs maintain their shape during cooking.

Can I make meatballs without eggs?

Yes, you can make meatballs without eggs by using alternatives like mashed potatoes, ricotta cheese, or even a bit of olive oil and water. These ingredients help bind the meatballs similarly to eggs.

What are the best seasonings for beef meatballs?

Classic seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. For an Italian twist, add dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. For a Swedish variation, incorporate allspice and nutmeg into your seasoning mix.

How long should I cook beef meatballs?

Cook beef meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Alternatively, you can simmer them in sauce on the stove for about 30 minutes, which also adds flavor to the sauce.

Can I freeze cooked meatballs?

Absolutely! Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents the meatballs from sticking together and allows you to thaw only as many as you need.

What sides go well with beef meatballs?

Beef meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a low-carb option, serve them with zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables.