Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian feast? Get ready to dive into the most mouthwatering, incredibly tender meatballs that have been whispered about in kitchens and passed down through generations. Pat's Famous Meatballs aren't just a recipe – they're a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy, with each perfectly crafted bite promising pure comfort and flavor explosion!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Remove ground beef from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure even mixing and cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using clean hands, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper spacing.
- Brown meatballs on all sides, rotating every 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crispy exterior. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes total.
- Once browned, reduce heat to medium-low and pour marinara sauce over meatballs. Cover and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to ensure meatballs are cooked through.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with additional marinara sauce and your preferred pasta.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your ground beef sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before mixing. This ensures even distribution of ingredients and more consistent cooking.
- Mixing Magic: Use your hands to mix ingredients, but don't overwork the meat. Gentle mixing prevents tough meatballs.
- Size Consistency: Use a small ice cream scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure uniform size, which guarantees even cooking.
- Browning is Flavor: Take time to properly brown meatballs. The golden crust develops rich, deep flavors that make these meatballs extraordinary.
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook meatballs in batches if needed. Overcrowding prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Internal Temperature is Key: Always check that meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety without overcooking.
- Resting Time: Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
