Classic Beef Meatball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper

Beat the egg in a large bowl and add milk, tomato sauce, and breadcrumbs. Mix ingredients until breadcrumbs are fully soaked.

Add ground beef, garlic, parsley, salt, spices, and cheese, and blend into the breadcrumb mixture. Don't over-mix the meatballs or they will be too dense when cooked. If the mixture seems too dry, add 1 or 2 tbsp milk; if it seems too moist, add 1 or 2 tbsp more breadcrumbs.

Using your hands or a meatball scoop, form the meatball mixture into balls that are 1 inch to 1 ¼ inches across.

Fry meatballs in ¼ inch of oil until brown and slightly crisp. Place cooked meatballs on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Add to cooked pasta with your favorite marinara or alfredo sauce. Makes about 4-5 servings.

For a healthier meal, bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes or until they are no longer raw in the middle.

© Had2Know 2010