Name: Obsessed-Worthy Ground Beef Meatballs: Your New Go-To Dinner!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488762H47M26S
Total time: PT-488762H47M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 85% lean); 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup (60ml) milk; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onions, or red pepper flakes

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Obsessed-Worthy Ground Beef Meatballs: Your New Go-To Dinner! 🍝🍖🌟

1. Introduction

If you are on the hunt for a versatile and delicious dinner idea, this ground beef meatballs recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your weekly menu. These homemade meatballs are tender, flavorful, and packed with savory goodness — perfect for serving over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer. Learning how to make classic meatball recipe from scratch will leave you craving more, and the best part is, it’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions.

2. Ingredients for the Perfect Ground Beef Meatballs

1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onions, or red pepper flakes

For added flavor, consider including creamy beef pasta or spice things up with spicy Korean BBQ.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each formed meatball on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

You can cook the meatballs in different ways:

Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Stovetop: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking—great if you’re making a sauce.
Slow Cooker: For an effortless approach, place raw meatballs in a crockpot with your favorite sauce and cook on low for 6 hours — check out this easy stovetop recipe to get inspired.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

Once cooked, serve your ground beef meatballs over cooked pasta, in a sub roll with cheese, or even as an appetizer with dipping sauces. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of zesty zucchini-carrot muffins.

4. Storage Tips for Homemade Meatballs

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven, skillet, or microwave for quick, delicious meals anytime.

5. Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Meatballs

This meatball recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve with classic spaghetti and marinara sauce, in a hearty sub sandwich, or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner. For an extra flavor boost, top with melted mozzarella or freshly grated Parmesan.

6. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Make your cooking experience smoother with this high-quality cookware set that ensures your meatballs cook evenly and release effortlessly.
Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Save time chopping garlic and parsley with this versatile vegetable prep tool.
Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — For an effortless, hands-off approach, cook your raw meatballs in a slow cooker with sauce for hours of tender goodness.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — Quickly bake or air fry meatballs with a crispy exterior in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef Meatballs

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Keep in mind that poultry tends to be less moist, so adding a little extra moisture like grated zucchini or a splash of broth can help.

How long does it take to prepare these homemade meatballs?

The total preparation, from mixing to forming, takes about 15-20 minutes. Baking or cooking on stovetop adds another 20-25 minutes. Overall, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish.

What are some healthy alternatives to breadcrumbs?

You can substitute with crushed oats, almond flour, or finely chopped cauliflower for a gluten-free, healthier option.

8. Conclusion

Whether you’re craving classic ground beef meatballs, exploring new meatball recipes, or seeking a crowd-pleasing dinner idea, this recipe delivers every time. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to customize, these meatballs will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Experiment with different sauces and side dishes to keep things exciting — the possibilities are endless!

Obsessed-Worthy Ground Beef Meatballs: Your New Go-To Dinner!