Stella’s Homemade Meatballs Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

Homemade meatballs are a go-to dish in our house when we want to eat something different or are in the mood for Italian cuisine. These tender and flavorful meatballs are the perfect family dinner or potluck gathering dish.With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be amazed at how delicious these meaty homemade treats can be. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Homemade Meatballs

Making good meatballs requires a bit of work and a few key techniques (a little muscle ) to ensure they turn out flavorful and tender. First, choose the right meat blend; a mix of ground beef and pork provides a good balance of flavor and juiciness.I like to use ground chuck, which has 15-20 percent more fat than lean beef and makes the best meatball but as I always say, you do you my friend.Don’t skimp on the binding agents like breadcrumbs—they help hold the meatballs together and keep them moist. However, be cautious not to overmix the meat mixture, as it can result in tough meatballs.

Milk, etc. etc…

There are recipes online using for milk as a binder, ok people, yuk! We are not going to overcomplicate things, the point of this recipe is to show how easy it is to use Stella’s Gypsy to make meatballs. You can of course use milk and even eggs as binders but this recipe is all about making things simple while getting the most flavor.So, let’s keep going with our plan.Consider using grated Parmesan cheese in the beef mix for added depth of flavor. Lastly, when cooking the meatballs, start by browning ( searing them ) in a skillet to develop a golden crust, then finish cooking them in a homemade or off the shelf sauce to infuse them with even more flavor.You can also just finish the meatballs in the oven if easy is your style.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground beef or ground chuck (80/20 blend for juiciness)

• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

• • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • Stella’s GYPSY seasoning

• • 1/4 cup Avocado oil (for cooking)

Optional: The Sauce

• • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, and season with GYPSY to taste. A good coat should do but do not overdo it. Mix until well combined. Be careful not to overmix as it can lead to tough meatballs.

• • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape them evenly.

• • Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking tray.

• • In the same skillet, prepare the sauce by adding the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

• • Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the baking tray, ensuring they are evenly coated.

• • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Once done, remove the foil and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.

• • Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

• • Enjoy the deliciousness of these homemade meatballs with your favorite pasta, crusty bread, or on their own as a tasty appetizer.

There is zero need to overcomplicate meatballs but every reason to put a little extra work to make them delish. This homemade meatballs recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With its simple ingredients and mouthwatering flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and see why homemade is always better!