8 Tips for Homemade Meatballs

Seasoned to perfection and simmered in a savory sauce, meatballs are an ultimate cold weather comfort food. Whether you serve them atop spaghetti for dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering, they're sure to be a hit. If you've never attempted homemade meatballs before, we hope the tips in this post will give you the confidence to do so.

1. Not as tricky as they seem

For many people, meatballs are one of those meals we order in restaurants. They seem too complicated and time consuming to make at home. This impression is only partially true: Meatballs do take a bit of preparation time, but they are not at all complicated to make.

2. Eggs and breadcrumbs required

Eggs and breadcrumbs are essential to achieve the right texture for your homemade meatballs. The eggs serve as a binder to help the breadcrumbs, meat, and seasonings stick together. Also, the breadcrumbs are not just there for filler. Breadcrumbs add volume and texture to the meatballs. Without  eggs and breadcrumbs, you’ll just end up with a seasoned miniature hamburger.

3. Beef is only one option

While many people equate a good meatball with beef, you can also make them with  ground pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey. Or use two or more ground meats for a new flavor combination. However, adjust the seasoning according to the meat you choose. Certain meats, like ground chicken or pork, aren’t quite as flavorful as beef. A coarse grind will also give you a better texture for your meatballs.

4. Test the seasoning

What could be more disappointing than biting into a meatball only to find the flavor is a bit dull? Before you cook a whole batch, roll a single meatball, fry it by itself, and taste it. Then you can adjust the seasoning as needed. Since different meats will taste better with different levels of seasoning, this tip is especially helpful if you use a meat other than ground beef. 

5. Sear the meatballs

While you can drop uncooked meatballs into the sauce to be cook while they braise, we don't recommend it. Instead, sear or brown homemade meatballs before you add them to the sauce. This step adds a crisp, flavorful layer to the outside of the meatballs and makes a big difference in their texture.

6. Use your hands!

Yes, it’s messy, but stirring your seasonings, meat, breadcrumbs, and eggs with a spoon will ruin the texture of the meat. You really do need to use your hands to gently combine ingredients. You can wear rubber gloves if handling raw meat bothers you. Also,  coat your hands in oil to keep the meat from sticking to your skin.

7. Braise longer

The longer you simmer the meatballs in sauce before serving, the better. Allow an hour or more for your meatballs to cook in the braising liquid so the flavors will meld and intensify.

8. Double the recipe and freeze them

If you love homemade meatballs and want to have them more often, make a double or triple batch. After browning the meatballs on the stovetop or baking them in the oven, allow them to cool. Place them on a tray lined with waxed paper and slide the whole tray in the freezer. After about four hours, you can transfer them to a large freezer bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. When it’s time to reheat your meatballs, place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. Then drop them in your sauce and simmer for about an hour before serving.

Homemade Meatballs Recipe

This is a basic recipe, so don’t be afraid to tweak it. Use different combinations of meat and seasoning. Meatballs are a great way to get creative in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef or another ground meat
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1/2-cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3/4-cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp salt
• 1-1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4-tsp dried basil

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well with your hands. Shape into walnut sized balls. You can either fry them in hot oil on the stovetop on medium heat. Alternately, you can bake them in the oven on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Bake at 375F for 30-40 minutes or until browned.

Add the browned meatballs to your favorite tomato-based sauce and simmer for at least an hour for maximum flavor.

As an avid farmer, gardener, and cook, April Freeman is an expert in the food production process. She raises pigs, chickens, beef cattle, and grows a wide variety of vegetables and fruits on her family farm in Tennessee. Learn more about April’s firsthand experience with farm-fresh food on her blog, Feeding My Family.