Italian

Classic Italian-Style Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup milk

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Non-stick cooking spray

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and milk.
3. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
4. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.
5. Place the meatballs on a non-stick cooking spray coated baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef and pork.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs.
- Romano cheese can be substituted for Parmesan cheese.

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped onion to the mixture for added flavor.
- Substitute Italian sausage for the ground pork for a spicier meatball.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Don't overwork the meat mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized meatballs.
- For a crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat meatballs in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve meatballs on a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Pairings:
Serve meatballs with garlic bread and a side salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add more milk to the mixture.
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Cook meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.

Food history:
Meatballs have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, with variations found throughout the country.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, meaty, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve meatballs as an appetizer or main dish.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Herby, Tangy, Tomato, Tomato-Y