Homemade Meatballs

My Homemade Meatballs are firm, juicy and loaded with smoky flavor.  Easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients. 

I created this recipe on a whim.  Turned out great the first time. 

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Sometimes, I’ll add 2 slices of honey wheat bread (torn into small pieces) to the meat mixture.  This is a tasty substitute for store-bought bread crumbs.

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I prepare meals for my precious aunt.  One of her favorite dishes is spaghetti and meatballs.  She LOVES noodles which makes this dish extra good.

In May 2020, she was successfully treated and released from a local hospital.  It was NOT COVID-19. 

On her first day home, I made a batch of homemade meatballs to go with her spaghetti.  Homegirl ate a generous portion!   I knew she was feeling real good.  Hallelujah!

If you like store-bought meatballs, check out my recipe for Baked Meatballs.  Great for when you need a quick main dish. 

If you’re searching for homemade “from scratch” meatballs that require very little baking time, you’ll enjoy this recipe.  Use ground beef, ground chuck or ground turkey.

What is ground turkey?

Although I used ground beef to make Homemade Meatballs, ground turkey is a delicious option. 

According to spoonuniversity.com, light meat turkey will always be leaner than dark meat turkey and beef.

A mix of both light and dark is perfect for health and taste.

What is Worcestershire sauce? 

Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid with a distinct flavor.  It is an optional ingredient in this recipe.

This kitchen staple is used as a marinade and condiment.   It was developed in 1835 by two chemists from Worcester named Lea and Perrins.

“Woo-ster-sheer” is how Worcestershire is pronounced.

Read more about it on thespruceats.com.

Homemade Meatballs are excellent in spaghetti, salads and sandwiches.  Serve as a main with your favorite sides.

Enjoy this recipe!

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Homemade Meatballs

Homemade Meatballs are firm, juicy and loaded with smoky flavor.  Easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients.  Use ground beef, ground chuck, or ground turkey.  Excellent in spaghetti and meatball sandwiches. Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Servings: 20 meatballs

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef ground chuck or ground turkey
• 1 medium egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce optional
• 2 slices honey wheat or white bread* or use 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• *Tear fresh slices or toast and crumble before using.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• In medium bowl, crumble ground beef (or ground turkey). Set aside.
• In a measuring cup or small bowl, add egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Liquid Smoke, Worcestershire sauce (optional). Combine thoroughly with a fork.
• Pour liquid mixture over ground beef. Mix thoroughly with fingers or use a large spoon.
• Crumble 2 slices of toasted bread over meat mixture. Add diced onion. Combine thoroughly with fingers or a large spoon.
• For easy clean up, line a 9x9 (or larger) baking pan with parchment paper or foil with shiny side down.
• Form a meatball with three tablespoons of mixture. They will shrink while baking. Make larger size if preferred.
• Arrange on lined baking sheet about 1/2" apart. Bake 15-20 minutes or until browned inside and outside. Drain on paper towels.
• Repeat until all beef mixture is baked.
• Serve hot.