Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe
Let’s talk about these life-changing pork meatballs that will make your taste buds do a little happy dance—rich, savory, and irresistibly juicy. Trust me, after you whip up these bad boys, you’ll wonder why you ever wasted time on takeout.
I love creating recipes that are both delicious and easy to make, like my ground pork meatballs. They combine savory Parmesan cheese with fresh parsley and a touch of spices including oregano and thyme.
Rich in protein from the ground pork and egg, each bite is perfectly seasoned and satisfying.
Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe Ingredients
- Ground Pork: High in protein, adds depth and richness.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides savory, umami flavor and creaminess.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, keeps meatballs moist and intact.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor and enhances taste complexity.
- Parsley: Freshness and a hint of herbal brightness.
Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make this Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the large egg.
3. Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the bowl.
4. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle the meatballs with the tablespoon of olive oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. For extra browning, switch to the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
9. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
10. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired, alongside your favorite sauce or pasta dish.
Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Garlic press (optional)
10. Mixing spoon or spatula
11. Hands (for mixing and shaping meatballs)
12. Meat thermometer (optional)
13. Broiler (part of the oven)
14. Serving dish or platter
FAQ
- What kind of breadcrumbs should I use? You can use plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
- Can I substitute the ground pork with another meat? Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as an alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- How do I know when the meatballs are cooked? The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), or until they are no longer pink inside.
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the meatballs in advance, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- What is the best way to cook these meatballs? You can bake, fry, or simmer them in a sauce. Baking is a healthier option, while frying adds extra flavor.
- Can I freeze the cooked meatballs? Yes, after cooling, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve with these meatballs? They pair well with pasta, rice, salad, or as a sandwich filling.
Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Breadcrumbs: Substitute with 1/4 cup crushed cornflakes or 1/4 cup almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Use 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
- Large egg: Replace with 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water as a vegan binder.
- Fresh parsley: Substitute with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or 1 tablespoon dried parsley.
- Olive oil: Use 1 tablespoon avocado oil or melted coconut oil as alternatives.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Mixture: Before shaping the meatballs, consider chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture hold together better and makes shaping the meatballs easier.
2. Uniform Size: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion out the meat mixture. This ensures even-sized meatballs, which will cook more uniformly.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough meatballs.
4. Moisten Breadcrumbs: For extra tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in a tablespoon of milk or water for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture. This will keep the meatballs moist.
5. Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture for an extra depth of flavor. This small addition can enhance the savory taste of the meatballs.
Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe
My favorite Ground Pork Meatballs Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Garlic press (optional)
10. Mixing spoon or spatula
11. Hands (for mixing and shaping meatballs)
12. Meat thermometer (optional)
13. Broiler (part of the oven)
14. Serving dish or platter
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the large egg.
3. Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the bowl.
4. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle the meatballs with the tablespoon of olive oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. For extra browning, switch to the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
9. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
10. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired, alongside your favorite sauce or pasta dish.
