Easy Meatballs

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-1/3 cups soft bread crumbs
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds ground beef

Description

Step 1: Make the meatball mixture

Crumble the ground beef into a large bowl, and add the eggs, onion, garlic, water, bread crumbs, Parmesan and seasonings on top.

The eggs and bread crumbs are essential for binding the meat. Thanks to their moisture content, eggs help keep your meatballs lovely and tender.

Test Kitchen Tip: This recipe calls for soft bread crumbs—not Panko (bigger, crispier bread crumbs), dry or seasoned bread crumbs (sometimes called Italian bread crumbs). Luckily, you can make your own soft bread crumbs at home. Just put a slice or two of bread in a food processor and voila! Fresh, soft breadcrumbs. 1 slice of bread typically yields about 1 cup.

Step 2: Combine and shape

Use your hands to combine everything but do not overwork the beef. If you overdo it, you run the risk of tough meatballs. Instead, gently work the mix until it’s just combined.

Once you’re happy with the beef mixture, lightly shape the meatballs to be about 1 to 1-1/2 inches. You can make larger meatballs, if you choose. But no matter whether you decide to go big or small, you’ll want to keep them all roughly the same size. Otherwise, they’ll cook unevenly.

Test Kitchen Tip: Use a cookie scoop to guarantee evenly sized meatballs.

Step 3: Put the meatballs in the oven 

Grease a rack and place it in a shallow baking tray. I pour a little olive oil onto a paper towel and rub the rack down, but a nonstick cooking spray would work here. Arrange the meatballs, and then put them in the oven. Bake at 375°F for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until your instant-read thermometer says they’re cooked through (160-165°). If you’re having a vegetarian on your guest list, then you can serve these delicious vegan meatballs.

Test Kitchen Tip: You also have the option of browning the meatballs before you bake them, if you want to add a little bit of flavor and of course, some color. However, this is completely optional and not necessary if you’re on a tight schedule.