Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure with these irresistible Vila Vita Meat Balls that promise to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian feast! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs bursting with rich flavors, perfectly browned and simmered in a luscious marinara sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe is your ticket to creating restaurant-quality meatballs that will become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Ensure the meats are well mixed and at room temperature for even blending.
- Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, and the egg to the meat mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and mixture to firm up.
- Remove mixture from refrigerator and form into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown evenly.
- Once meatballs are browned, pour marinara sauce over them in the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring meatballs are cooked through.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always use room temperature meat and ingredients for the most even and consistent mixture.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep your meatballs tender and light. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
- Uniform Size is Key: Use a small ice cream scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure consistent cooking and presentation.
- Rest Your Mixture: Refrigerating the meat mixture for 15-20 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.
- Brown Carefully: Take your time browning meatballs, turning gently to create a beautiful, even crust without breaking them.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature for food safety.
- Serve Immediately: Meatballs are best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 301kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 86mg
