Meatball Factory

Get ready to transform your kitchen into the ultimate 'Meatball Factory' with this irresistible recipe that combines two types of ground meat—beef and pork—for unparalleled flavor and tenderness. These Italian-inspired meatballs are enhanced with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and a touch of milk for a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Baked to golden perfection in just 20 minutes, these meatballs are not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to shine in any dish. Serve them smothered in marinara sauce over spaghetti, nestled in a sub roll for a hearty sandwich, or as a standalone appetizer. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe is a delicious, family-friendly option that you'll want to make again and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these homemade meatballs bring Italian comfort food to your table with ease!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef (80% lean)
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian style or plain)
• 1 large Eggs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Parsley (fresh, finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tbsp Milk
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 cups Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
• 1 lb Spaghetti (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix well using your hands or a fork until the ingredients are evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3

Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, portion out the meat mixture and roll it into balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small amount of space between each one.

Step 4

Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown and keep them moist during cooking.

Step 5

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 73.9°C).

Step 6

If serving with marinara sauce, warm the sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat while the meatballs are cooking. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Optional: While the meatballs bake, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Serve the meatballs hot, either on their own, over spaghetti with marinara sauce, or in toasted sub rolls for delicious meatball sandwiches. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1852.7 grams (1852.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3612

Total Fat 204.50g	262%
Saturated Fat 73.00g	365%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 754mg	251%
Sodium 6024mg	262%
Total Carbohydrate 232.70g	85%
Dietary Fiber 18.40g	66%
Total Sugars 38.80g
Protein 205.00g	410%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 1106mg	85%
Iron 23mg	130%
Potassium 3171mg	67%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.2%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 25.9%