Four meatball recipes

1. Classic Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 egg

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt, pepper, and fresh basil to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes until soft.

2. In a large bowl, mix ground meats, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

3. Shape into 1.5-inch meatballs.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown meatballs on all sides (don’t cook through).

5. In a pot, heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until soft.

6. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 mins.

7. Add meatballs to sauce, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until cooked through.

8. Garnish with basil and serve with spaghetti or crusty bread.

2. Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk or cream

• 1 small onion, finely grated

• 1 egg

• 1/4 tsp ground allspice

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Butter for frying

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk; let sit for 5 minutes.

2. Mix ground meats with breadcrumb mixture, grated onion, egg, spices, salt, and pepper.

3. Shape into small balls (1 inch).

4. Fry in butter until browned on all sides and cooked through.

5. Remove meatballs and make the sauce in the same pan: melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1-2 minutes.

6. Slowly add beef broth while whisking, then stir in cream and soy sauce. Simmer until thickened.

7. Return meatballs to the pan and simmer 5 minutes more.

8. Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

3. Middle Eastern Lamb Meatballs (Kofta-style)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• 2 tbsp chopped mint

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil for pan-frying or grilling

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix gently by hand.

2. Shape into small ovals or round meatballs.

3. Heat olive oil in a pan or grill; cook until browned and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes.

4. Optional: Serve with tahini sauce or tzatziki, warm pita, and salad.

4. Asian-Style Ginger-Garlic Meatballs with Soy Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken or pork

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• Salt & pepper

For Soy Glaze:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• Optional: chili flakes

Instructions:

1. Mix meatball ingredients in a bowl and form into 1-inch balls.

2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes or pan-fry until golden and cooked through.

3. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and optional chili.

4. Bring to a simmer, add cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened.

5. Toss cooked meatballs in the glaze and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

6. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Let me know if you want any of these adapted for gluten-free, keto, vegetarian, or slow cooker methods.