How to Make Zesty Italian Meatballs
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently with your hands until evenly combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
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Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a parchment-lined tray as you go. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
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Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 4–5 minutes. They don’t need to cook through completely at this stage.
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Simmer in Sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs to a saucepan with marinara sauce. Simmer gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and infused with the tangy, herby flavors of the sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving. Pair with spaghetti, garlic bread, or enjoy them on their own as a hearty appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Zesty Meatballs
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Juiciness: Adding a little milk to the breadcrumbs keeps the meatballs tender.
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Flavor Boost: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano enhance the Italian zing.
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Make Ahead: Meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen raw; just thaw and cook when ready.
These Zesty Italian Meatballs aren’t just dinner—they’re a celebration of flavor, a cozy hug on a plate, and a testament to the magic of Italian cuisine made simple.
