Description
These juicy and flavorful Basil and Garlic Meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and aromatic garlic, creating a delicious dish perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as an appetizer. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, you can enjoy this comforting recipe in no time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the milk and mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with a little oil, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
- Serve: Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Freezing Tip: These meatballs freeze beautifully. After shaping them, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or stuff the meatballs with a small cube of mozzarella cheese for a gooey center.
- Alternative Meats: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but be sure to adjust the seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g