Meat Balls

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying (or for baking)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

   • Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20–24 meatballs, depending on the size.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Frying: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 7–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

4. Serve:

   • If using marinara sauce, warm it up in a saucepan and toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce. Serve the meatballs with spaghetti, in a sandwich, or on their own as a snack with dipping sauce.

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Nutritional Values (Approx. Per Meatball, Based on 24 Meatballs):

• Calories: 50–70 kcal (depending on meat used)
• Protein: 5–6 g
• Carbohydrates: 2–3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Sugars: 1–2 g (from breadcrumbs and other ingredients)
• Fat: 3–5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1–2 g
• Cholesterol: 20–30 mg
• Sodium: 150–200 mg (depending on salt and cheese)
• Vitamins & Minerals:
  • Vitamin A: 2–4% of the Daily Value (from parsley and egg)
  • Iron: 5–8% of the Daily Value
  • Calcium: 2–4% of the Daily Value (from cheese)