Beef Meatballs

Beef Meatballs are a classic family favourite that works perfectly with pasta or in a sandwich. You can make these easily with just a few simple ingredients from your kitchen. The mixture comes together quickly and stays juicy when cooked correctly. Serving them with a simple tomato sauce or gravy makes for a satisfying meal.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Beef Meatballs

Why beef meatballs is a favourite

Making Beef Meatballs at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. You can ensure the meat is fresh and season it exactly to your liking. They are very versatile and can be prepared in advance for busy weeknights. This recipe is straightforward and produces consistent results every time you cook.

How to prepare beef meatballs

Step 1
Prepare the mixture: Place the beef mince, breadcrumbs, and egg into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2
Shape the balls: Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Aim for the size of a golf ball to ensure even cooking. Repeat this process until all the beef mixture is used up.
Step 3
Fry the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the balls to the pan in a single layer without crowding them. Cook them for about ten minutes while turning frequently to brown all sides.
Step 4
Finish cooking: Continue cooking until the Beef Meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Remove them from the pan and serve them with your choice of side dish. You can also simmer them in a sauce for a few extra minutes if preferred.

Useful tips for beef meatballs

Wetting your hands with water helps to prevent the meat from sticking while you shape it. Avoid overworking the mixture as this can make the texture too dense. For the best flavour, brown the Beef Meatballs well on the outside to create a nice crust. If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake them in the oven at 200C for about twenty minutes. Make sure the onion is chopped very finely so it blends into the meat and cooks through properly. You can make a double batch and freeze the uncooked balls for an easy meal later.

Let the cooked meat rest for a couple of minutes before serving to help retain the juices inside.

Find more ideas here: lemon cake, duck with apples and prunes or baked turkey breast.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g beef mince
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1661 kJ / 397 kcal
  • Fat:23.5 g
  • - of which saturates:9.5 g
  • Carbohydrates:8.8 g
  • - of which sugars:0.3 g
  • Protein:24 g
  • Fibre:0.3 g
  • Salt:625 mg

People also ask

The egg and breadcrumbs in this recipe act as binders to hold the ingredients together. Chilling the Beef Meatballs for thirty minutes before frying can also help them stay firm in the pan.
You can freeze these Beef Meatballs once they have cooled down completely. Store them in an airtight container for up to three months and defrost them in the fridge before reheating.
The Beef Meatballs are done when the centre is no longer pink and the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 71C.
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