Pork Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

Pork Meatballs

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Sauce (Optional)

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving

• Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Pork Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.Tip: Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.

Cooking the Pork Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.Tip: If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Preparing the Sauce (Optional)

1. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Combining Meatballs and Sauce

1. Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 10 minutes.

Serving the Pork Meatballs

1. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

Tips and Tricks

Making Ahead

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help the flavors to develop and make meal prep easier.

Freezing Meatballs

Uncooked meatballs can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Alternatively, cooked meatballs can also be frozen and reheated in sauce.

Adding Extra Flavor

For a different flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of fennel seeds or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.

Using Different Sauces

These pork meatballs can be served with various sauces, such as marinara, alfredo, or a sweet and sour sauce for a versatile meal option.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g