Savory Family-Style Meatballs
Indulge in the comfort of Savory Family-Style Meatballs, a cherished recipe passed down from mom that infuses warmth into every meal. These tender, flavorful meatballs are a perfect addition to your spaghetti sauce, crafted with a delightful blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and an array of seasonings. Mom’s secret? She never browned them beforehand, allowing the meatballs to simmer directly in the sauce for a rich, integrated flavor. This method not only enhances the saucy goodness but also ensures a juicy bite every time. Prepare to savor the nostalgia and love that comes from a home-cooked meal. If you prefer a crispy exterior, feel free to sauté or bake the meatballs before incorporating them into the sauce. Whichever method you choose, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!
25
Servings
80
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hamburger
1.5 lbs (ground)
Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (plain or seasoned)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (fresh or pre-grated)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Chopped Parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the hamburger, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and oregano. Be careful not to overmix; a light touch will keep the meatballs tender.
2
Shape the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch meatballs and set them aside.
3
For the best results, choose to either drop them directly into your pot of simmering Mom's Spaghetti Sauce or pre-cook them by sautéing in a skillet or baking in the oven until they are browned and cooked through.
4
If cooking in the sauce, let the meatballs simmer for 40 minutes to absorb all the luscious flavors. Skim off any excess fat that rises to the top of the sauce for a cleaner finish.
5
If you pre-cooked your meatballs, simply add them to the sauce and allow them to simmer for the final 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
4g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Family-Style Meatballs?
They are a cherished family recipe for tender meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan, designed to be simmered in spaghetti sauce.
What is the secret to Mom's meatball recipe?
The secret is not browning them beforehand; instead, they are simmered directly in the sauce for a rich, integrated flavor and juicy texture.
Do I have to simmer the meatballs in the sauce raw?
No, if you prefer a crispy exterior, you can choose to sauté or bake the meatballs before adding them to the sauce.
How long should raw meatballs simmer in the sauce?
Raw meatballs should simmer in the sauce for 40 minutes to absorb flavors and cook through.
How long do pre-cooked meatballs need to simmer?
If you pre-cook the meatballs by baking or sautéing, add them to the sauce for the final 10 to 15 minutes.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 lbs of ground hamburger meat.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The mixture should be shaped into approximately 1.5-inch meatballs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 25 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of these meatballs?
There are 80 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 6g of protein.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Is parmesan cheese required for the recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, either fresh or pre-grated.
How many eggs are needed for the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs to help bind the meatballs.
What herbs are included in the seasonings?
The recipe includes fresh chopped parsley and dried or fresh oregano.
How much garlic is used?
One minced garlic clove is included in the mixture.
How should I combine the ingredients?
Gently combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, being careful not to overmix to keep them tender.
What should I do if fat rises to the top of the sauce?
You should skim off any excess fat that rises to the top for a cleaner finish to your sauce.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh oregano?
Yes, you can use either dried or fresh oregano for this recipe.
Is the parsley supposed to be fresh?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.
How much salt and pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
What is the texture of these meatballs?
They are tender and flavorful, especially when simmered directly in the sauce.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can these meatballs be served with spaghetti?
Yes, they are a perfect addition to spaghetti sauce and Italian cuisine.
Is it okay to use pre-grated parmesan?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or pre-grated parmesan cheese.
Does the recipe use minced garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one clove of minced garlic.
Why is a 'light touch' recommended when mixing?
A light touch prevents overmixing, which ensures the meatballs stay tender rather than becoming tough.
What type of pepper should be used?
The recipe recommends 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Are these meatballs considered comfort food?
Yes, they are described as a nostalgic comfort food that infuses warmth into every meal.