Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- For Fully Cooked Meatballs (Browning or baking):
- Combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- For Pan-frying: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for 7-8 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides.
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- For Cooking Meatballs Directly in Sauce:
- Follow the same steps to shape the meatballs.
- Simmer raw meatballs directly in sauce for at least 30 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Monitor the simmer to prevent overcooking and ensure the meatballs stay intact.
Notes
- Browning meatballs adds a crisp, flavorful exterior, but simmering raw meatballs directly in the sauce results in softer, sauce-infused meatballs.
- For a healthier option, bake meatballs instead of frying them.
- Adding binders like breadcrumbs and eggs helps prevent raw meatballs from falling apart when cooked in sauce.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Browning, Baking, or Simmering in Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 meatballs
- Calories: ~200-300 kcal
- Sugar: Minimal (depends on sauce)
- Sodium: 200-400mg
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8-10g
- Trans Fat: Minimal
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Cholesterol: 70-100mg
Keywords: Meatballs, cooking methods, raw meatballs in sauce, browning meatballs, sauce-infused meatballs, Italian cuisine, meatball recipe