Easy Basic Pan Fried Meatballs

Easy pan fried meatballs are made with just a few simple ingredients and cook quickly in a single skillet on the stove. This easy meatball recipe can also be frozen for easy meal prep.

Meatballs are one of those things that I very rarely order in a restaurant. Everyone has their own idea of a perfect meatball and I prefer my own homemade ones. Of course, I also like my mom's meatballs and loved the ones my grandmother made too. There is nothing better than a pot of Sunday Gravy with these pan fried Italian meatballs made on the stove added to it. I also often make this Pasta al Forno recipe and serve meatballs on the side.

While I make other meatball recipes, this basic meatball recipe is one I have been making for as long as I can remember. To me this is the best way to make tender skillet meatballs that are a bit crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's the easiest way to make a meatball recipe that doesn't require many ingredients. And I love cooking meatballs on the stove so that I can use my oven for other things. If you are wondering how to make the best meatballs, keep reading as I will give you all there is to know in making the easiest but most delicious meatball recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground Beef – Use 85/15 ground meat for tender and juicy meatballs. You can also use a meatball mixture which is a blend of ground beef, ground pork and veal. 
• Bread Crumbs – Italian bread crumbs add flavor and help the meatballs to retain essential moisture. I also like these garlic and herb bread crumbs because they add great flavor.
• Large Eggs – Eggs act as a binder to hold their shape as they cook.
• Seasonings – Salt, black pepper and dried Italian seasoning give these meatballs a classic flavor. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like fresh parsley or basil to really brighten up the flavor.
• Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a mild, nutty flavor to the meatballs.
• Olive Oil – Or choose your favorite neutral oil for pan frying.

How To Cook Pan Fried Meatballs on the Stove

1. In a large bowl, combine the meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings and parmesan cheese until just blended. Do not overmix.
2. Form 18-20 meatballs from the meat mixture keeping the size as uniform as possible.
3. Heat ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet on the stove and add half of the meatballs.
4. Cook the meatballs on medium heat for about 8 minutes, turning frequently until they are no longer pink inside.
5. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
6. Drain the meatballs on a paper towel and serve as desired. (Full instructions on recipe card below.)

Cooking Tips

• The high fat content of the meat is needed to keep this fried meatball recipe moist and tender. Don't use super lean meat or the meatballs will be dry.
• Always use fresh ingredients such as cheese and eggs for the best flavor.
• Grate the cheese rather than buying pre-shredded cheese.
• Don't over mix the meatballs or they can be tough.
• Gently form meatballs with wet hands, again being careful not to overwork the meat.
• Use a cookie scoop to make each meatball the same size. This will ensure more even cooking.
• Use a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet for best results as the meatballs will not stick and you will only need to use a little oil.

Make Ahead Meatballs

Meatballs are an ideal make ahead meal. Fresh, raw meatballs can be shaped and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking and cooked meatballs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for about 4 days.

Freezing is also a great option for meatballs. I love to keep a bag of homemade meatballs in the freezer for easy weeknight meals any time. They can be stored for 3 months and since this recipe is easy to double, making extras is practical and saves time and money in the long run. Cook them in a pot of marinara sauce and you have an easy dinner and great meal! I serve them on a roll or with this Pasta with Blush Sauce.

Freezing Raw Meatballs

Place raw meatballs on a baking sheet and flash freeze by placing the tray in the freezer for a few hours until the individual meatballs become firm. Transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. Remove from the freezer and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean up. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until they are no longer pink inside.

Freezing Pan Fried Meatballs

Alternatively, freeze meatballs that have been cooked through in the same manner and store for up to three months. Remove from the freezer and add to your favorite recipes being sure to heat them all the way though. Due to their small size they generally defrost very quickly and can be added directly to your favorite sauce or you can thaw them overnight in the fridge. This is my prefered method for quick and easy meals with flavorful meatballs.

What To Serve Meatballs With

This fried meatballs recipe is simple and so versatile. My husband likes good meatball subs with tomato sauce and my family will never refuse tender meatballs served with some spaghetti sauce and al dente pasta. Here are a variety of dishes to turn these pan seared meatballs into a satisfying meal.

• Easy Italian Marinara Sauce Recipe in 25 Minutes!
• Angel Hair Pasta With Blush Sauce
• Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

FAQ

More Meatball Recipes to try:

I love making meatballs and here are more of my favorite meatball recipes.

• Philly Style Grilled Meatball Sliders
• Easy Bourbon Meatballs
• Italian Meatball Soup via Food Fanatic
• Steve Martorano's Meatball Recipe
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs via Souffle Bombay

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RECIPE

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