Best 4 Most Popular Meatball Recipes

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Meatballs, a delectable culinary creation, have captivated taste buds across cultures and cuisines. These succulent orbs of minced meat, expertly seasoned and skillfully crafted, transcend time and place, uniting food enthusiasts in their universal appeal. Whether simmering in a rich tomato sauce, nestled in a savory broth, or sizzling on a skewer, meatballs offer a symphony of flavors and textures that never fail to delight. In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of the most popular meatball recipes, each a testament to the boundless creativity and culinary artistry that this humble dish inspires. From the classic Italian polpette to the aromatic Middle Eastern kofta, from the hearty Swedish köttbullar to the tantalizingly spicy Indian kheema balls, these recipes showcase the remarkable diversity and versatility of meatballs. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST MEATBALLS YOU'LL EVER HAVE



The Best Meatballs You'll Ever Have image

Very tasty meatballs full of spice and sauteed to perfection. I usually serve mine with spaghetti, but I've also served them with a BBQ sauce and rice on the side.

Provided by BEARNESTA

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatball Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound lean ground beef
¾ cup crushed seasoned croutons
¼ cup chopped sweet onion
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, croutons, sweet onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, red pepper flakes, and Cajun seasoning. Form the mixture by hand into meatballs.
  • Heat the olive oil and melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the skillet, and cook, turning constantly, 20 minutes, or to desired doneness.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335.8 calories, Carbohydrate 9.7 g, Cholesterol 123.1 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 22.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.9 g, Sodium 481.7 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

THE BEST MEATBALLS



The Best Meatballs image

I never knew how to make good meatballs until I found this recipe. I normally make mine with just ground beef and they still taste great. I've used the combination of pork, beef and veal and they are equally good. Definitely use fresh bread crumbs and freshly grate your cheese instead of using the canned variety...it really does make a difference.

Provided by Geanine

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground veal
½ pound ground pork
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1 ½ tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups stale Italian bread, crumbled
1 ½ cups lukewarm water
1 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Combine beef, veal, and pork in a large bowl. Add garlic, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper.
  • Blend bread crumbs into meat mixture. Slowly add the water 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture should be very moist but still hold its shape if rolled into meatballs. (I usually use about 1 1/4 cups of water). Shape into meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Fry meatballs in batches. When the meatball is very brown and slightly crisp remove from the heat and drain on a paper towel. (If your mixture is too wet, cover the meatballs while they are cooking so that they hold their shape better.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 613.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Cholesterol 148.6 mg, Fat 53.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 26.6 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 333.1 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

EXCELLENT MEATBALLS



Excellent Meatballs image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h23m

Yield 18 to 20 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 20

Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, 1/4-inch dice
Salt
2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
Pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmigiano
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup water
Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 pound diced pancetta
2 large Spanish onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Kosher salt
4 large garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
4 (28-ounce) cans Italian plum San Marzano tomatoes

Steps:

  • Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, add the onions and bring to a medium-high heat. Season the onions generously with salt and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. The onions should be very soft and aromatic but have no color. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to cool.
  • In a large bowl combine the meats, eggs, Parmigiano, parsley and bread crumbs. It works well to squish the mixture with your hands. Add the onion mixture and season generously with salt and squish some more. Add the water and do 1 final really good squish. The mixture should be quite wet. Test the seasoning of the mix by making a mini hamburger size patty and cooking it. The mixture should taste really good! If it doesn't it is probably missing salt. Add more. Add more anyway.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Shape the meat into desired size. Some people like 'em big some people like 'em small. I prefer meatballs slightly larger than a golf ball. Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and bring to a medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through. If using right away, add them to your big pot of marinara sauce. If not using right away, they can be frozen for later use. Serve with pasta and sauce or just eat them straight out of the pot! YUM!
  • Coat a large saucepot with olive oil and add the pancetta. Bring the pot to a medium-high heat and cook the pancetta for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, season generously with salt and stir to coat with olive oil. Cook the onions for 6 to 7 minutes stirring frequently. The onions should become very soft and aromatic but have no color. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes stirring frequently.
  • Pass the tomatoes through the food mill. Be sure to pass all of the pulp through the holes leaving only the stems and the seeds, and be sure to scrape the pulp off of the bottom of the food mill. That's all of the big money stuff! Add the tomatoes to the pot and rinse out 1 of the empty tomato cans with water and add that water to the pot (about 2 to 3 cups). Season generously with salt and TASTE IT!!!! Tomatoes take a lot of salt. Season in baby steps and taste every step of the way. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and tasting frequently.
  • Use the sauce right away on pasta or for any other tomato sauce need. This sauce can also be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for a few days and freezes really well.
  • Yield: 2 quarts

BEST EASY MEATBALLS



Best Easy Meatballs image

Full of flavor from Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of ground round and Italian sausage, these meatballs have a nice crust thanks to a bit of time in the oven before they're slow-simmered in marinara sauce. They're the perfect complement to Sunday spaghetti!

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 2h45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

cooking spray
⅓ cup minced onion
⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs
⅓ cup half-and-half
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1 ¼ pounds ground round beef
½ pound ground Italian sausage
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray foil lightly with cooking spray.
  • Combine onion, bread crumbs, half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, eggs, egg yolk, garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano in a large bowl; stir until well combined. Add ground round and sausage and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Mix well until just combined.
  • Dampen hands with water and form mixture into 18 golf ball-sized meatballs. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Transfer meatballs to a large pot and add marinara sauce. Simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 568.3 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Cholesterol 178.6 mg, Fat 31.4 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 31.1 g, SaturatedFat 11.6 g, Sodium 1717.9 mg, Sugar 21 g

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Meat: Use a combination of ground beef and pork for a flavorful and moist meatball. Ground lamb or turkey can also be used for a healthier option.
  • Season Wisely: Use a generous amount of fresh herbs, spices, and grated cheese to enhance the flavor of the meatballs. Garlic, onion, parsley, and bread crumbs are common ingredients used for seasoning.
  • Bind the Meatballs Properly: Use an egg or a mixture of eggs and bread crumbs to bind the meatballs together. This will help prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
  • Shape the Meatballs Evenly: Use a spoon or a small scoop to shape the meatballs into uniform sizes. This will ensure even cooking.
  • Cook Thoroughly: Cook the meatballs until they are browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
  • Sauce it Up: Simmer the meatballs in a delicious sauce made from tomatoes, herbs, and spices. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the meatballs.

Conclusion:

Creating mouthwatering meatballs is an art that requires careful selection of ingredients, proper seasoning, and precise cooking techniques. By following the tips and recipes provided in this article, you can master the art of making delectable meatballs that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different flavors and sauces to create unique and tantalizing dishes that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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