Here’s a simple, classic meatball recipe you can use for pasta, sandwiches, or snacks.
🍝 Classic Meatballs (Juicy & Easy)
🧾 Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (or beef + lamb mix)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (helps keep them soft)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying or brushing if baking)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Mix
In a bowl, combine:
meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings.
Mix gently—don’t overwork or they’ll become dense.
2. Shape
Roll into small balls (walnut-sized or larger if you prefer).
3. Cook (choose one method)
🍳 Pan-fry (juiciest crust):
- Heat oil in a pan
- Cook meatballs on medium heat, turning until browned and cooked through (10–12 min)
🔥 Oven (easier batch cooking):
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 18–22 minutes
🍲 In sauce (softest texture):
- Simmer directly in tomato sauce for 20–30 minutes
🍽️ Serving ideas
- Spaghetti and marinara sauce 🍝
- Meatball subs 🥖
- Rice bowls 🍚
- Appetizer with dipping sauce
🔥 Tips for perfect meatballs
- Milk + breadcrumbs = soft texture
- Don’t overmix (keeps them tender)
- Let them rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices settle
If you want, I can also give you:
- Spicy Pakistani-style meatballs (kofta style)
- Air fryer meatballs
- Cheese-stuffed meatballs
