35-Minute Italian Meatballs: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking to whip up a classic Italian dish in under an hour, these 35-minute Italian meatballs are perfect for you! They’re juicy, flavorful, and can be served over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer. Let’s dive into this quick yet mouthwatering recipe.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for the meatballs.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

• Tip: Use your hands to mix the ingredients gently, ensuring that everything is well combined but the meat doesn’t get overworked, which can make them tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is ready, take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish.

• Note: This recipe should yield approximately 12-15 meatballs, depending on your desired size.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes, if using.

• Tip: Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs are done, you can add them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can serve the meatballs over spaghetti, in a sub roll with melted cheese, or alone as an appetizer.

Step 7: Garnish

For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs or more grated Parmesan on top when serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Pasta: Serve the meatballs on a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, topped with marinara sauce.
• In a Sub: Place the meatballs in a hoagie roll, cover with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and broil until golden.
• As Appetizers: Serve meatballs with toothpicks, drizzled with additional marinara sauce, perfect for parties.

Cooking Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Meatballs)

• Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked meatballs and marinara sauce separately. They will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Variations

• Add Spices: For a spicy kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes directly into the meat mixture.
• Cheesy Surprise: Mix mozzarella cheese cubes into the meatball mixture for a gooey center.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making delicious Italian meatballs doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With this 35-minute recipe, you can create a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether for dinner or a party, these meatballs are sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking!