Here’s a simple recipe for Meatballs and Cheese that you can enjoy as a delicious appetizer or as part of a main course:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
For Assembling:
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded
- Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Add the Cheese:
- Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each meatball.
- Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the indentation.
- Gently reshape the meatball to enclose the cheese, ensuring the cheese is completely covered.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
4. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the meatballs hot with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
- Alternatively, you can serve the meatballs over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as part of a meatball platter.
Enjoy your delicious Meatballs and Cheese! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.