This right here is an easy Meatball recipe, y'all! Every time I serve these meatballs to some poor unsuspecting soul, I always have to smile when they inevitably say, "Wow, these are really good!" or something with the same sentiment. I can't help but think to myself, "did you think I was going to serve you bad meatballs?" haha

I get it though. Most folks are used to frozen meatballs or the kind you eat out at restaurants that lack the most important ingredient...FLAVOR!

These meatballs definitely are loaded with flavor! I use plenty of fresh garlic and basil to pack a flavorful punch, and paired with my slow cooker Red Sauce you can't go wrong! Cook up some noodles and you have an easy meal that always leaves a wonderful impression.

Another fun fact about this meatball recipe is the easy clean-up! I like to bake them on a rack that I place in a foil-lined baking sheet and just toss the foil when done. The cookie sheet is clean and the rack washes up easily. I love that!

Meatballs

By Life Tastes Good
Published 03/25/2012

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground chuck
• 1 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced onion
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• fresh mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. In a large bowl combine 2 lbs ground chuck, 1 cup dry Italian bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons minced onion, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix this up really well. Put on some gloves or wash your hands well and dig in. You really want to be sure you combine all the ingredients throughout.
2. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty foil or double line with regular foil. If using a rack be sure to spray it with some olive oil. I like to use my Misto Sprayer. If not using a rack, then spray the foil lightly with olive oil.
3. Shape the meat mixture into 1 to 1 1/2" balls and place close together on the rack. I use a cookie scoop. It shapes the meatballs nicely and makes quick work of scooping them out and getting them ready for the oven!
4. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Cook time will depend on the size of your meatballs, but I recommend checking them after 10 minutes. You can cut into one to make sure the juices run clear and they are cooked all the way through. If you want to top each meatball with a piece of fresh mozzarella, be sure to cook them a little less than done and then put them under the broiler until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Serve and enjoy!

Yield: About 40 Meatballs
Prep Time: 15 mins.

Cook time: 15 mins.
Total time: 30 mins.

Tags: Meatballs, Basil, Garlic, tomato sauce, spaghetti, sauce, Italian, fresh herbs, main, appetizer