Italian > Meat

Silvana's Italian Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Skillet or Dutch oven

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sauce and pasta.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
Makes about 20-24 meatballs.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 370mg
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 13g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef and pork.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Dried parsley can be used instead of fresh parsley.

Variations:
- Add chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground pork for a spicier meatball.
- Make mini meatballs for appetizers or party snacks.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meatball mixture for a richer flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture, as it can make the meatballs tough.
- Wet your hands with water before shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Brown the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked through.

Storage instructions:
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet with your favorite sauce and heat over medium heat until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for a party snack, or on a bed of pasta with sauce for a hearty meal.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top of the meatballs for added flavor.

Pairings:
Silvana's Italian Meatballs pair well with spaghetti, linguine, or any other pasta of your choice. A side salad or garlic bread would also make a great accompaniment.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables

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

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Food history:
Meatballs are a staple in Italian cuisine and have been enjoyed for centuries. They are typically made with a combination of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.

Flavor profiles:
Silvana's Italian Meatballs are savory and flavorful, with a blend of herbs and spices that give them a classic Italian taste.

Serving suggestions:
Serve Silvana's Italian Meatballs with your favorite pasta and sauce for a classic Italian meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Herby, Garlicky, Rich, Umami, Hearty