Easy Homemade Pork Meatball Recipe for the Whole Family34

Making meatballs at home might seem daunting, but I promise you, it's easier than you think! This recipe is designed for beginners and families alike, focusing on simplicity and delicious results. Forget those bland, processed store-bought meatballs; this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meatballs that everyone will love. Perfect for spaghetti, subs, or simply enjoyed on their own, these homemade pork meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes this recipe so easy?

We're skipping any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples and minimal equipment. The method is straightforward, ensuring even the least experienced cook can achieve delicious results. No special tools are needed, just a bowl, a baking sheet (or a skillet), and your hands!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground pork (80/20 blend recommended)
1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for a crispier texture)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking or frying)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough. Just mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the meat mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs. Try to make them relatively uniform in size for even cooking. If your hands get sticky, simply rinse them under cold water.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Baking Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned. For extra crispy meatballs, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Option 2: Pan-Frying Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. These meatballs are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with your favorite pasta sauce, in subs, or on top of salads.

Tips and Variations:
For extra flavor: Soak the bread crumbs in milk for 10 minutes before adding them to the meat mixture. This will add moisture and richness.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Add some cheese: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese for a cheesy twist.
Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Make them ahead: You can form the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Freeze them: Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before freezing.

Troubleshooting:
Dry meatballs: If your meatballs are dry, you may have overmixed the meat or not added enough moisture (try soaking the breadcrumbs). Next time, try using a higher fat content ground pork.
Falling apart meatballs: If your meatballs are falling apart, you may have not added enough binding agent (egg and breadcrumbs). Ensure the mixture is well combined, but not overmixed.

This simple recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your liking. Get creative and have fun with it! The best part about homemade meatballs is that you can customize them to perfectly suit your family's taste preferences. Happy cooking!

2025-06-02

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