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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 400F (200C).
- Gather all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each component is measured precisely.
- Thoroughly blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, creating a uniform mixture that will help bind the meatballs together.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture.
- Gently knead the ingredients, avoiding excessive handling that might toughen the meat.
- Using clean hands, carefully shape the mixture into compact, uniform 1-inch spheres.
- Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each ball to ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- 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