Juicy Mini Meatballs Recipe: Bite-Sized Comfort Everyone Loves

Crafting delectable mini meatballs can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Small bites pack incredible flavor when seasoned correctly.

Each tender morsel promises a burst of savory goodness that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Combining ground meat with carefully selected herbs creates magic in your kitchen.

Authentic recipes rely on simple ingredients blended with passion and skill.

Italian culinary traditions inspire these bite-sized delights that everyone adores.

You’ll want to savor every single miniature sphere of deliciousness waiting to be devoured.

Mini Meatballs Bite-Sized Flavorful Crowd Pleasers

• Simplify Meal Prep: Create delicious mini meatballs with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks looking to make a tasty dish without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these meatballs as an appetizer, main course, or pasta companion, making them ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Quick and Nutritious Protein: Pack a protein-rich meal that cooks rapidly, providing a satisfying option for busy households wanting a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite: Bite-sized meatballs appeal to children's preferences, offering a fun and delicious protein option that can be easily customized with different dipping sauces or serving styles.

Ingredients Checklist For Mini Meatballs

• Ground Meat: The main protein that forms the foundation of these delicious mini meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together and provides a tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a golden crust.

• Parsley, Garlic, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients work together to create a well-balanced and aromatic flavor profile for the meatballs.

Stepwise Guide To Make Mini Meatballs Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your meatballs.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Ground meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything thoroughly until the mixture looks uniform and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Shape Bite-Sized Morsels

Using your hands, gently roll the meat mixture into small, round balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Carefully place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure proper cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Cook the meatballs for 15-20 minutes. They’re ready when the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe level for consuming meat.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the meatballs from the oven. Serve them immediately with marinara sauce for dipping or toss them into pasta for a complete, satisfying meal.

Enjoy the burst of flavors in every single bite!

Cooking Tips To Perfect Mini Meatballs Every Time

• Mix ingredients the night before and refrigerate to enhance flavors and save time during cooking.
• Keep meatballs uniform by using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent shape and even cooking.
• Add a splash of milk or water to the meat mixture to prevent dry, tough meatballs and ensure tenderness.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried seasoning for a more vibrant taste profile.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without compromising texture and flavor.

Delicious Variations To Try With Mini Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the meatballs suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Turkey Lean Alternative: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat version that's equally flavorful and protein-packed.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Create plant-based meatballs using crumbled firm tofu, mushrooms, and quinoa as the base, binding with flax egg and similar seasonings.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped mint, and oregano instead of Parmesan for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that adds zesty complexity.

Best Pairings To Serve With Mini Meatballs

• Choose a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavor of the meatballs, cutting through their savory profile with delightful acidity.
• Toss these mini meatballs with al dente spaghetti, fresh marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian-inspired dinner that satisfies every palate.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the meatballs' richness and add a refreshing counterpoint to the meal.

Storage Suggestions For Mini Meatballs Leftovers

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm meatballs in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each meat will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the meatballs.

• Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make a gluten-free version.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures they are safely cooked through.

Mini Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mini Meatballs dance with Mediterranean flavors, blending ground beef, herbs, and spices into perfect bite-sized delights. Crispy exterior and juicy interior promise a delectable experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving Suggestion:

• Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Gather all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each component is measured precisely.
3. Thoroughly blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, creating a uniform mixture that will help bind the meatballs together.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture.
5. Gently knead the ingredients, avoiding excessive handling that might toughen the meat.
6. Using clean hands, carefully shape the mixture into compact, uniform 1-inch spheres.
7. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each ball to ensure even cooking.
8. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160F.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping or incorporate into pasta dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

• Choose lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for a healthier option that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to create extra tender and juicy meatballs that melt in your mouth.
• Add finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition and keep meatballs moist without changing the flavor dramatically.
• For gluten-free versions, replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg