Basic Beef Meatballs

These classic meatballs are great served over pasta or as appetizers. If served as appetizers, smaller bite-sized meatballs work best.

Serves: 10Hands-on: 30 minutesTotal: 1 hourDifficulty: Medium

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Serves: 10

Ingredients

  • 5 thick slices day-old or toasted Italian bread
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1⁄4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 1⁄2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1⁄2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions

  • Soak the bread in water for 1 minute. Thoroughly squeeze out all the liquid.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine soaked bread, garlic, parsley, ground beef, egg, cheese, and pepper. Form the mixture into balls about 2 to 3 inches in size.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs for 30 minutes, uncovered, turning occasionally until cooked through.
  • Transfer the meatballs to paper towels to drain.