Easy Recipe Meatballs for Busy Weeknight Dinners

When it comes to preparing meals during a hectic week, finding a dish that is both quick and delicious can be a lifesaver. This is where easy recipe meatbal……

When it comes to preparing meals during a hectic week, finding a dish that is both quick and delicious can be a lifesaver. This is where easy recipe meatballs for busy weeknight dinners come into play. Not only are meatballs incredibly versatile, but they can also be prepared ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for those evenings when time is of the essence.

### Ingredients:

To make these easy recipe meatballs, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 large egg

- 2 tablespoons milk

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- Olive oil for frying

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Meatball Mixture**: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. **Form the Meatballs**: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. You should end up with about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

3. **Cook the Meatballs**: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned all over. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. **Simmer in Sauce**: If you prefer your meatballs with a sauce, you can transfer them to a pot of marinara sauce and let them simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become even more tender.

### Serving Suggestions:

These easy recipe meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

- **Spaghetti and Meatballs**: Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal.

- **Meatball Subs**: Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious sandwich.

- **Meatball Appetizers**: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

### Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips:

One of the best things about these easy recipe meatballs is that they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. To freeze, simply place the cooked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in your favorite sauce.

### Nutritional Information:

These easy recipe meatballs are not only delicious but also packed with protein and essential nutrients. Each meatball contains approximately:

- Calories: 80

- Protein: 6 grams

- Fat: 5 grams

- Carbohydrates: 3 grams

- Fiber: 0.5 grams

### Conclusion:

In conclusion, these easy recipe meatballs for busy weeknight dinners are a fantastic addition to any meal plan. They are simple to make, adaptable to various dishes, and can be prepared in advance to save time during the week. Whether you're serving them over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you're in need of a quick and tasty dinner solution, give these easy recipe meatballs a try!