This article is your guide to culinary alchemy, transforming your humble meatball recipe into a symphony of taste and texture. We'll delve into the secrets of achieving perfect juiciness, unparalleled tenderness, and flavor so bold it'll have you saying "Mamma Mia!" Get ready to master the art of the perfect meatball, a skill guaranteed to impress your family and friends at every gathering.

Ingredients

+ Meats:

• 500 g ground beef
• 250 g ground pork
• 250 g ground veal

+ Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (soaked in 1/2 cup milk)
• 1 medium onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)

+ Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

+ For Cooking:  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the pan)
• 1 large can of tomato sauce (or your preferred sauce)

Necessary Kitchen Utensils

• Large mixing bowl
• Small frying pan
• Mixing spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Frying pan
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Oven (optional)
• Stove or cooktop

Cooking Methods

• Frying pan on gas or stovetop: To brown the meatballs.
• Oven: For a healthier cooking option.

Replaceable Ingredients and Substitutions

    + Meats:

• You can replace the veal with extra beef or pork.
• Beef, pork, and veal can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

   + Breadcrumbs:

• Breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers or panko.
• Milk can be replaced with chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.

+ Ricotta Cheese:

• Ricotta can be replaced with cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or omitted if preferred.

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Soak the breadcrumbs in milk until fully absorbed.
• Grate the onion and chop the garlic.
• Finely chop the parsley and basil.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and veal.
• Add the soaked breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, eggs, and ricotta cheese (if using).
• Mix in the grated Parmesan, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Gently mix until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Flavor Test:

• Cook a small piece of the meat mixture in a small pan to test the seasoning. Adjust if necessary.

you can also read: 

4. Form the Meatballs:

• Use a cookie scoop or lightly oiled hands to form uniform-sized meatballs.
• Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Cook the Meatballs:

• Frying Pan Option: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until nicely browned.
• Oven Option: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.

6. Finish in the Sauce:

• If you brown the meatballs in a frying pan, transfer them to a large pot with your preferred tomato sauce. Let them simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Rest:

• Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

8. Serve:   

• Serve the meatballs with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with crusty bread.