Meatballs

🍕 Ingredients

Meatballs:

• ½ lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground sausage
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Tomato Sauce:

• 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• Fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. 1
   Combine ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, wine, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
2. 2
   Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to help it hold together.
3. 3
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Shape mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. 4
   Bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. 5
   Optional: Simmer crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth with herbs for 10 minutes. Add baked meatballs and simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve over pasta!

🌿 Health Benefits

Meatballs are a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins that support muscle growth, energy, and immune function. Baking instead of frying reduces fat content. Using lean ground beef or turkey makes them even healthier.

📚 History

Meatballs have ancient origins dating back to at least 2200 BC in China. Ancient Greeks made “isicia omentata” and Romans made “bulbitas.” The concept spread through the Middle East as kofta, through Scandinavia as Swedish meatballs, and through Spain as albondigas. Italian-American immigrants popularized the classic spaghetti and meatballs combination in the United States, making it one of the most beloved comfort foods in the world.

❓ Quiz