Classic Chef John’s Meatballs Recipe

# Classic Chef John’s Meatballs Recipe

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You love meatballs because they are delicious, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Now is the perfect time to try Chef John’s meatballs recipe made from scratch.

Start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and other ingredients in a bowl and shaping them into balls. Fry them in a skillet until they have a nice crispy outer shell.

You can use any ground meat or a combination of meats like ground lamb, turkey, chicken, veal, or buffalo. Keep in mind that the fattier the meat you use, the more tender your meatballs will be. If you opt for lean ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough.

In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to make Chef John’s meatballs. This dish is a delectable combination of beef and pork that is sure to delight everyone at your dinner table. You can find more of Chef John’s recipes here.

## Other Chef John’s Recipes You Can Try
– Chef John’s Gazpacho
– Chef John’s Au Jus
– Chef John’s Chicken And Rice
– Chef John’s Bread And Butter Pickle
– Chef John’s Quiche Lorraine
– Chef John’s Fried Zucchini Spaghetti
– Chef John’s Pecan Pie
– Chef John’s Mashed Potatoes
– Chef John’s Buttermilk Biscuits
– Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

## Equipment Needed To Make Chef John’s Meatballs
– Skillet – for cooking and frying the meatballs
– Mixing Bowl – to combine ingredients
– Spatula – for tossing ingredients
– Knife – for chopping veggies
– Chopping Board – to prep ingredients
– Cheese Grater – for grating cheese
– Whisk – for beating eggs

## Time Required To Make Chef John’s Meatballs
– Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
– Cooking Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
– Total Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

## Ingredients For Chef John’s Meatballs
– Olive Oil
– Onion
– Ground Beef

[Continue reading the article…](#)When prepared.

Steps To Make Chef John’s Meatballs

1. The Basics

To prepare meatballs, chop an onion into chunks, beat a large egg with a whisk, grate Parmesan cheese, and finely mince Italian parsley.

Soak breadcrumbs in milk until they absorb the liquid and turn soggy.

2. Cook The Ingredients

In a skillet, heat olive oil, add onion, and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Gently combine beef and pork in a large bowl. Add sautéed onions, breadcrumb mixture, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley and garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and refrigerate for about an hour.

3. Shaping The Meatballs

Shape the meatballs by wetting your hands, taking a scoop of the mixture, rolling it into a ball, and placing it on a baking sheet.

Repeat this process until all the meatballs are formed, typically yielding 8-10 meatballs.

4. Cooking Meatballs

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for approximately 4 minutes per side or until they are evenly browned.

Once cooked, add your preferred sauce to the skillet, let it simmer for a few minutes, then serve the meatballs with pasta or rice on the side. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

How Will Chef John’s Meatballs Look And Taste Like?

Chef John’s meatball recipe yields meatballs with a smooth, light, and bouncy texture. The fat content in the ingredients ensures juiciness, while a crispy exterior enhances the flavor. Pork adds saltiness and moisture, while beef contributes umami flavor and consistent texture.

Recipe Card

…Creating homemade meatballs is a simple task. Begin by soaking breadcrumbs in milk until they absorb the liquid and soften. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onions until they are translucent. Combine beef and pork in a bowl with sautéed onions, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Refrigerate the mixture for an hour. Shape the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Cook the meatballs in oil until browned on all sides. Add your preferred sauce and simmer. Serve with pasta or rice. Enjoy the flavorful dish!

### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#### How to serve meatballs?
There are various ways to enjoy meatballs, but serving them over pasta with sauce is a popular choice. Alternatively, you can have them in a sandwich for a delicious twist.

#### How to know when meatballs are cooked?
Meatballs are cooked when they are browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, as measured by an instant-read thermometer.

#### Is it better to bake or cook meatballs?
Baking meatballs can enhance their flavor without the need for additional oil. Ensure to bake them on a sturdy baking sheet for best results.

#### What ingredient holds meatballs together?
Eggs are added to bind the meatball mixture together. Breadcrumbs also help in absorbing excess moisture, preventing the meatballs from falling apart.

#### What makes my meatballs tough?
Meatballs can turn out tough if they are overly compacted. To avoid this, lightly oil your hands, gently shape the meatballs, and avoid excessive handling for a tender texture.

### Conclusion
Preparing homemade meatballs is a straightforward process. Impress your loved ones with this delectable dish, showcasing how easy and enjoyable cooking can be. Give it a try and elevate your culinary skills!