Herb-Crusted Meatballs

Elevate your dinner game with our herb-crusted meatballs recipe. Perfect for home cooks, with scalable options for larger gatherings or commercial kitchens.

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in tough meatballs.

  2. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.

  3. Bake or Sear:

    • For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

    • For searing: Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear meatballs on all sides, then transfer to a baking dish and finish cooking in the oven for 10 minutes.

  4. Serve: Pair with marinara sauce, pasta, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

Tips:
  • Scaling Up: For commercial kitchens, scale the recipe proportionally. A commercial meat mixer can save time and ensure even seasoning.

  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding different herbs or cheeses to create unique flavor profiles.

  • Freezing Tip: Meatballs freeze well. Prepare and freeze raw or cooked meatballs for easy meal prep.