Description
Mini meatballs are a delightful culinary treat that brings the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine to your table. These bite-sized morsels are juicy, packed with savory ingredients, and perfect for any occasion—from game nights to holiday gatherings. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping or toss them with pasta for a heartwarming meal. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, these mini meatballs will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve on toothpicks or over spaghetti with extra marinara on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (112g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or mix in chopped vegetables for added nutrition. Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika for a unique flavor twist.