Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey with Joe's Big Beefy Meatballs - the ultimate comfort food that will transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! These aren't just any meatballs; they're a flavor-packed, juicy sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned beef spheres swimming in rich marinara sauce, promising a culinary experience that's both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. These ingredients will form the base of your meatballs, adding flavor and texture.
- Add 1 egg to the mixture. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together during cooking.
- In a small bowl, mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the mixture. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
- Season the mixture with 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs about
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-16 meatballs, depending on your size preference.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one open; it should no longer be pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the jar of marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warmed through.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve Joe's Big Beefy Meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy them over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own!
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) for the juiciest meatballs. The fat helps keep them moist and flavorful.
- Mixing Technique: When combining ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make meatballs tough, so mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Size Consistency: Use a cookie scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure uniform cooking and professional-looking results.
- Avoid Dry Meatballs: Don't overcook! Remove from the oven when they're just cooked through to maintain moisture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen before baking. Simply thaw and cook when ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy entertaining.Pro tip: Let the meatballs rest in the warm marinara sauce for a few minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and keep them moist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 351kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 114mg
