Recipes

Classic Beef Meatballs

1 Mins read
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Introduction

Discover the delightful world of home-cooking with our classic Beef Meatballs recipe, a timeless favorite that promises to satisfy your cravings. Packed with rich flavors and tender textures, these meatballs are perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Tips for this Recipe

For optimal results, consider gently handling the ground beef to maintain its texture. Additionally, ensure your ricotta cheese and bread crumbs are at room temperature before mixing with other ingredients.

Why you will love this recipe

The combination of succulent meatballs infused with fresh herbs, a touch of fennel, and the comforting essence of tomato sauce is sure to evoke nostalgia. The process may be simple yet rewarding, making this Classic Beef Meatball recipe an irresistible choice for those who love hearty, homemade meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
  • 4 cups Classic Tomato Sauce

Advised Equipment

Mixer Bowl Set, Meat Tenderizer Tool, Silicone Ice Cube Tray, Meat Grinder, Silicone Meatball Maker, Measuring Cups Set, Baking Sheet, Oil Spray, Tongs, Roasting Rack.

History of the Recipe

The history of meatballs is rich and varied, with roots in many cultures around the world. In Italy, where this recipe hails from, meatballs are a staple dish made by grinding beef and mixing it with breadcrumbs, herbs, eggs, and other ingredients to form small, uniform balls.

Fun Facts about This Recipe

Did you know that meatballs can vary greatly across different cultures? While this Classic Beef Meatball recipe originates from Italian cuisine, the concept of shaping and cooking ground meats into balls has been adapted worldwide. Additionally, using a silicone meatball maker not only expedites the process but also ensures consistent-sized servings for easier portion control.

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Classic Beef Meatballs

Classic Beef Meatballs

amanda

Equipment

  • Mixer Bowl Set - Ideal for mixing ingredients smoothly, perfect for combining the beef mixture.

  • Meat Tenderizer Tool - Useful for tenderizing meat and ensuring uniformity in texture for even cooking.

  • Silicone Ice Cube Tray - Can help with keeping ingredients chilled or storing excess mixture.

  • Meat Grinder - For those making freshly ground beef, a versatile kitchen tool.

  • Silicone Meatball Maker - Designed to shape meat into perfect balls for time-saving and consistency.

  • Measuring Cups Set - Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in the mixture.

  • Baking Sheet - Perfect for baking oven-cooked beef meatballs evenly.

  • Oil Spray - Useful for lightly greasing surfaces to prevent sticking during cooking.

  • Tongs - Versatile kitchen utensils for flipping and handling meatballs during cooking.

  • Roasting Rack - Ideal for promoting even cooking of the meatballs by preventing them from sitting in their own fat.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel

  • 4 cups Classic Tomato Sauce

Instructions

1

Instruction 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Drizzle the olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
2

Instruction 2

Combine the ground beef, ricotta, eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and fennel in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.
3

Instruction 3

Roll the mixture into round, golf ball-size meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the meat firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. The meatballs should be touching one another.
4

Instruction 4

Roast for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should read 165°F.
5

Instruction 5

While the meatballs are roasting, heat the tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring often.
6

Instruction 6

When the meatballs are firm and fully cooked, remove them from the oven and drain the excess grease from the pan. Pour the tomato sauce over them. Return the meatballs to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 minutes.
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