Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes and water over the meatballs. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. Serve hot with pasta, bread, or on their own.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the meatballs
- Simmer over low heat for cooking the meatballs in the sauce
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or turkey can be used instead of beef
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Dried herbs can be used instead of fresh herbs
Variations:
- Add chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor
- Use different types of cheese, such as Romano or Asiago, instead of Parmesan
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with water before forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands
- Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to make evenly sized meatballs
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs, or they won't brown properly
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 on the stovetop until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve meatballs on a bed of pasta or with a side of crusty bread
- Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Barbera
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture until it holds together
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken it up
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat
Food history:
- Lombardo-style meatballs are a traditional Italian dish, named after the Lombardy region in northern Italy
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, herbaceous, and slightly tangy from the crushed tomatoes
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with pasta or bread
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Region: Italian