Meatballs Recipe

Summary:

This meatball recipe blends ground meat with bright lemon zest and herbs for juicy, tender bites. Cooked in a simple tomato sauce with a dash of orange juice, these meatballs balance savory richness and fresh citrus notes. With easy, broad steps, you’ll create a comforting dish for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends.

Equipment:

– Large mixing bowl
– Spoon or hands (for mixing)
– Baking sheet or skillet
– Saucepan with lid
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Zester or Microplane
– Knife and cutting board
– Spatula or tongs

Ingredients:

– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mixed beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Zest of 1 lemon (about one teaspoon)
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup water or broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon pepper
– 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Gather & Prep (10 minutes)**

Gather all ingredients and tools. Zest the lemon and chop the parsley. Measure the breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices.

2. **Mix Meatballs (5 minutes)**

Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

3. **Shape & Rest (5 minutes)**

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place on a plate or tray. Let them rest for 5 minutes so flavors meld.

4. **Brown Meatballs (10 minutes)**

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer. Cook, turning gently, until golden on all sides (about 8–10 minutes). Transfer to a plate.

5. **Prepare Sauce (5 minutes)**

In a saucepan, heat oil over medium. Sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, water or broth, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, orange juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer.

6. **Simmer Meatballs (15 minutes)**

Gently add browned meatballs to the Sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, turning once, until meatballs are cooked through and Sauce thickens.

7. **Rest & Garnish (5 minutes)**

Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parsley.

8. **Serve & Enjoy (2 minutes)**

Spoon meatballs and Sauce into bowls or pasta. Serve with crusty bread or over spaghetti. Enjoy warm.

Notes:

– Use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor.
– If sauce tastes tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance it.
– For crispier meatballs, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding to Sauce.
– Leftovers should be kept in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

History of Meatballs

Meatballs have roots in many cuisines. In Italy, pipettes appear in old cookbooks combining meat, cheese, and herbs. Across cultures, cooks shape spiced meat into balls, simmering in sauces for flavor and moisture. Today, meatballs range from street food to family dinners worldwide.

Meatballs Recipe – Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love the tender meat accented by bright citrus and herbs. The tomato sauce gains depth from orange juice and lemon zest. Meals come together in one pot of Sauce and meatballs—satisfying and straightforward.

Tips for Perfect Results

– Keep meat mixture cold to prevent fat from melting.
– Gently roll meatballs; tight packing makes them dense.
– Use a thermometer: meatballs are done at 160°F (71°C) inside.
– Stir Sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.

Meatballs Recipe – Flavor Variations

– Swap lemon for lime zest and juice for a tropical twist.
– Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
– Stir in chopped spinach or grated carrot to the mixture.
– Serve with pesto drizzle instead of tomato sauce.

Meatballs Recipe – Serving Suggestions

Pair meatballs with cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Offer a side salad or steamed greens for balance. Garnish with more fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A glass of red wine complements the savory bites.

Meatballs Recipe – My Final Thoughts

I wrote this recipe after testing it on busy weeknights and weekend gatherings. Balancing citrus with savory notes took a few tries. I read through to ensure each step feels like cooking with a friend—clear, conversational, and friendly.

Meatballs Recipe – Behind the Scenes: Personal Story

I first added lemon zest to spiced meatballs on a summer picnic. The fresh scent surprised everyone and became a hit. Since then, I’ve returned to this citrus-infused twist whenever I crave bright, comforting flavors.