**Classic Beef Meatballs: A Journey of Flavor and Comfort**
Indulge in the timeless flavors of classic beef meatballs, a culinary delight that has captured hearts and taste buds for generations. These tender and juicy meatballs, crafted with a harmonious blend of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and savory seasonings, promise an explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether simmered in a rich tomato sauce, baked to perfection, or nestled in a hearty soup, these versatile meatballs offer endless possibilities to tantalize your palate. Discover the secrets to creating the perfect beef meatballs, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of shaping and cooking meatballs like a pro. Explore variations that range from traditional Italian meatballs to unique fusion creations, each offering a distinct taste adventure. Let this culinary guide be your trusted companion as you embark on a journey to savor the timeless flavors of classic beef meatballs, turning ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
CLASSIC BEEF MEATBALLS
Here they are-the top sellers at The Shop and sure to be a big hit at home. Most traditional meatball recipes call for Parmesan or pecorino cheese. While we're big fans of these stronger cheeses, we prefer ricotta. It's our secret weapon. The mild and creamy consistency of this fresh cheese gives the meatballs a unique light texture. Beef has a subtle flavor, and the ricotta is a great way to add fat and moisture to the recipe without the overpowering flavor of a sharper cheese. These are quick to prep, and baking rather than frying makes this a fast comfort food even during the busiest of weeks.
Provided by Daniel Holzman
Categories Cheese Egg Tomato Bake Super Bowl Father's Day Dinner Ground Beef Family Reunion Poker/Game Night Party Breadcrumbs Sugar Conscious Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes about 2 dozen 1 1/2-inch balls
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Drizzle the olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
- Combine the ground beef, ricotta, eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and fennel in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into round, golf ball-size meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the meat firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. The meatballs should be touching one another.
- Roast for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should read 165°F.
- While the meatballs are roasting, heat the tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring often.
- When the meatballs are firm and fully cooked, remove them from the oven and drain the excess grease from the pan. Pour the tomato sauce over them. Return the meatballs to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 minutes.
CLASSIC BEEF MEATBALLS
Ricotta cheese helps to make these meatballs moist and delicious in this popular recipe from Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow's "The Meatball Shop Cookbook."
Provided by Martha Stewart
Yield Makes about 2 dozen 1 1/2-inch meatballs
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Drizzle olive oil into a 9-by 13-inch baking dish; using your hand, evenly coat entire surface. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use your hands to mix together beef, ricotta, eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, red-pepper flakes, and fennel until fully incorporated. Roll mixture into firmly packed 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Place meatballs in prepared baking dish, taking care to line them up snugly so that they are touching one another in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. Transfer baking dish to oven. Bake until meatballs are firm and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball reads 165 degrees.
- Meanwhile, heat tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Remove meatballs from oven and carefully drain excess grease from pan. Pour heated sauce over meatballs and return to oven; cook for 15 minutes more. Serve.
CLASSIC BEEF MEATBALLS
I got this from "The Meatball Shop" book.
Provided by Krystal McDow
Categories Beef
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Drizzle the olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
- 2. Combine the ground beef, ricotta, eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and fennel in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.
- 3. Roll the mixture into round, golf ball-size meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the meat firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. The meatballs should be touching one another.
- 4. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should read 165 degrees F.
- 5. While the meatballs are roasting, heat the tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring often.
- 6. When the meatballs are firm and fully cooked, remove them from the oven and drain the excess grease from the pan. Pour the tomato sauce over them. Return the meatballs to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 minutes.
- 7. *CLASSIC TOMATO SAUCE:
- 8. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, bay leaf, oregano, garlic, and salt and cook,stirring often, until the onions are soft and ranslucent, about 10 minutes.
- 9. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and stir constantly until the sauce begins to boil. Lower the heat ad simmer for 1 hour, stirring every 5 minutes or so to prevent the sauce on the bottom of the pot from burning. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired. Remove the bay leaf befoe serving.
Tips:
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more flavorful meatball.
- Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meatball mixture. This will help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Season the meatball mixture generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other herbs and spices to taste.
- Chill the meatball mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the meatballs to hold their shape.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before simmering them in the sauce. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from becoming dry.
- Use a homemade sauce for the best flavor. If you don't have time to make your own, you can use a good-quality store-bought sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
- Serve the meatballs with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Conclusion:
Classic beef meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a little planning and effort, you can make classic beef meatballs that are sure to impress your family and friends.
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