Who doesn’t love a perfectly cooked meatball? Whether they’re served with spaghetti, piled on a sub, or enjoyed on their own, meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser. Making them from scratch with your food processor is not only quick but also ensures they come out juicy and flavorful every time. Packed with ground beef, garlic, herbs, and a touch of parmesan, these homemade meatballs are simple to prepare and perfect for any meal. Plus, they freeze wonderfully, making them a great option for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs (preferably fresh or panko)
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Onion, finely chopped or grated
• Milk
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for pan-frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture:

   • Place the ground beef (and pork if using), breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion, and a splash of milk into your food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste.
   • Pulse until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to over-process—just pulse until the ingredients are well mixed, and the meat is slightly broken down. You want a slightly chunky texture, not a paste.

2. Form the Meatballs:

   • Use your hands to form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can make them slightly larger or smaller depending on your preference.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—this helps them brown evenly.
   • Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. If necessary, use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

4. Serve:

   • Serve your homemade meatballs with your favorite sauce (like marinara for spaghetti or a creamy gravy for a comforting meal). They’re also perfect for subs, sandwiches, or simply on their own with a side of roasted veggies.

Conclusion:

These homemade meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and made easy with the help of your food processor. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile. Serve them with pasta, make meatball subs, or freeze them for later use. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for the week ahead, these meatballs will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Tips:

• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a hot oven or simmer them in sauce.
• Add-ins: Want to mix it up? Add finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Sauce: For a quick sauce, simmer the meatballs in your favorite marinara sauce for about 20 minutes to absorb all that tomato flavor.

These homemade meatballs are a great way to bring classic comfort food to your table with minimal effort, thanks to the food processor. Enjoy!