Meatball Recipe
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This meatball recipe is clutch! Crispy pan fried outside with moist baked inside makes the perfect juicy and flavorful result!
This is the best meatball recipe! We use it for meatball soup, Swedish meatballs, and meatball subs. Try them alongside some roasted red potatoes!
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Meatball Recipe
Meatball Recipe
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Meatball Recipe Ingredients
- Ground beef – I like to use a lean ground beef.
- Ground pork – Unseasoned pork.
- Bread crumbs – Panko is my preference, but you can use other types.
- Milk – We use whole milk, but use what you have on hand.
- Eggs – Large eggs.
- Seasoning – Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. (basil and oregano for an Italian meatball recipe)
- Broth – Beef broth.
- Butter – I don’t suggest using margarine.
How do you make meatballs? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, mix together the milk and breadcrumbs and let set for a few minutes.
⭐ Then, in a large bowl, blend together the ground beef and pork, seasonings, eggs and milk soaked panko (this can also be done in a food processor). Shape into balls.
⭐ Next, melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the outsides of the meatballs and then transfer to a baking dish or deep baking sheet.
⭐ Finally, pour beef broth into the baking dish with the meatballs, cover tightly with foil and cook meatballs until done.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these a day or two in advance and then add to your favorite recipe or heat in the microwave to enjoy. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What is in meatballs?
Our meatballs are made with pork and beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, and seasoning. Then we sear them in butter and bake in beef broth.
What kind of meat is used for meatballs?
We like to use a combination of lean ground beef and ground pork for the perfect consistency. If you decide to use all beef, make sure it’s not lean or you will end up with a dry meatball.
Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?
Both! Sear the outside of the meatballs in butter, then finish by baking in broth. This give you the best of both worlds, delicious pan fried exterior around moist meatballs.
Leftovers and storage
How long do homemade meatballs last?
The leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days, or longer in the freezer. Make sure to store in an airtight container for best results.
Can you freeze meatballs?
Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then store tightly packed in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 6 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator (or if using in soup, add directly into boiling liquid, or toss in the slow cooker with your favorite sauce and veggies).
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a meatball recipe with only ground beef?
Yes, but if you use all ground beef, I would not use the most lean option or you may end up with tough or dry meatballs.
How do you make meatballs more moist?
We use moistened breadcrumbs along with a combination of pork and beef to create a super moist and delicious meatball. You can add a little bit more moistened panko if desired.
Are meatballs and burgers the same?
Meatballs and burgers are not the same. Burgers are seasoned with spices, but do not typically contain breadcrumbs, eggs, or milk. It’s actually more like a meatloaf recipe.
Can I bake meatballs?
Yes, if you prefer to skip pan frying, pour broth into the bottom of the baking dish, cover tightly with foil and bake. You’ll need to cook them an extra few minutes. Meatballs are done at an internal temperature of 160F.
Tips and tricks
Do not overmix
Mix the meatball ingredients until completely mixed, but then stop as soon as you hit that point. Over mixed meatballs are tough.
Add flavor
Don’t skip the seasoning, but also try adding flavors you love. Some we like: Italian seasoning, yellow curry powder, teriyaki.
Be consistent
Make sure your meatballs are all about the same size so they cook at the same rate. If you have several different sizes the smaller ones will end up overcooked.
Get greasy
Keep your meatballs from sticking by shaping them with greased hands (a little olive oil is perfect).
Easy Meatball Recipe Variations
🧂 Try adding Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese for Italian meatballs.
🍝 Use this instant pot spaghetti recipe to make spaghetti and meatballs.
🍅 Bake meatballs in crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce to add more flavor.
What to eat with homemade meatballs (serving suggestions)
Try enjoying these in our easy meatball soup or this lazy lasagna recipe. You could also serve them on their own alongside some baked cauliflower rice, fettuccine alfredo pasta, and creamy corn casserole.
More delicious meatball recipes
- Chicken meatballs
- Grape jelly meatballs
- Sweet and sour meatballs
- Swedish meatballs
- Turkey meatballs
- Meatball soup
- Spicy meatballs
- See all our fun meatball recipes!
More ground beef recipes
- Easy lasagna soup
- Stuffed pepper soup recipe
- Baked spaghetti
- Homemade sloppy joes
- Beef enchilada recipe
- See all our recipes with ground beef!
Tools we love
- Cast iron pan – Cast iron gives the best sear ever!
- Casserole dish with lid – My favorite casserole dish ever.
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How to Make the Best Meatball Recipe
Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs large
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Mix together the milk and the panko crumbs and let set for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly blend together the ground beef and pork, seasonings, eggs and milk soaked panko. Shape into balls. (About 36 total)
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the outsides of the meatballs and then transfer to a baking dish.
- Pour ½ cup of beef broth into the baking dish with the meatballs, cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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So adorable….in your first photo the bowl of spices looks like it’s in the shape of a bee… 😀 so cute! I love these meatballs. Without the overtly Italian seasonings they are so easy to serve with all sorts of different sauces like bbq, sweet & sour, or a lovely mushrrom cream sauce! The mix of meats is on point (clutch!), it gives the meatballs such a wonderfully “rounded” flavor! So easy and so delicious. Perfect recipe.
Wow, these are super tasty! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Oh man! My son is going to be all over this recipe! So excited to make these meatballs! Looks so tasty and amazing!