Italian Baked Meatballs

A quick search for ‘meatballs‘ on this site will tell you there is more than one way to make a meatball. The method I choose when it’s time to get ballin’ depends on many things, namely the amount of time I have and how much I want to fuss with the meatballs. I find baking meatballs gives you more control over the process, the meatballs hold their shape better, and you don’t need to refrigerate them for 30 minutes. However, if you want to put them in sauce, the meat won’t lend as much flavour because they will be pre-cooked.

Ingredients:

1 cup of bread crumbs

1/2 cup of milk

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon each chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs, beaten

2 pounds of ground beef, or ground meat of your choice

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.) Add bread crumbs and milk to a bowl and stir. Let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread crumbs to absorb the milk.

3.) Add onion powder, garlic powder, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add beaten eggs and stir.

4.) Add two pounds of ground meat of your choosing and mix. Do not over-mix. Use the tips of your fingers to gently mix the other ingredients with the meat, and stop mixing once everything is incorporated.

5.) Using an ice cream scoop, form into balls and smooth them by rolling with your hands. Place on a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.

6.) Place the meatballs into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are evenly browned.

7.) Place the meatballs into sauce, pile onto sandwiches, or serve and enjoy any way you wish!