Basic Meatball Recipe
This basic homemade meatball recipe is a good starting point for pasta dinners, soups, sandwiches and other family meals. Once kids learn how meatballs are mixed and shaped, they can experiment with different seasonings and sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
Directions
- Add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, onion, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl and stir together.
- Add the ground beef and gently mix until the ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop out a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball about the size of a golf ball or smaller.
- Continue shaping the mixture until all of the meatballs are formed.
- Choose one of the cooking methods below and cook until the meatballs are completely cooked through.
How to Shape & Cook Meatballs
Try to make the meatballs about the same size so they cook at a similar rate. A small cookie scoop or spoon can help portion the mixture evenly before rolling.
Cook Meatballs in the Oven
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake until browned and completely cooked through.
Cook Meatballs in a Skillet
Place the meatballs in a skillet and brown them on several sides. Continue cooking until the centers are completely cooked through.
Finish Meatballs in Sauce
Brown or bake the meatballs first, then add them to spaghetti sauce, barbecue sauce or another favorite sauce and simmer until heated through.
Keep Meatballs Tender
Mix the meat mixture only until the ingredients are combined. Packing or overmixing the meat too firmly can make finished meatballs dense.
Change the Seasoning
Once you know the basic method, try different herbs and spices to match the meal you are making. See our Herbs & Spices Cooking Lesson for more seasoning ideas.