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homemade mini meatballs

Best Homemade Mini Meatballs

Mini meatballs are versatile, healthier, and delicious when made at home. Ideal as a party appetizer, kid friendly food, protein snack, or addition to a variety of dishes.
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Course: Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, Side Dish, Snack
Keyword: ground beef, meat, meatball, party food
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 30 pieces (about 30 meatballs)
Calories: 52kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Baking sheet and parchment paper (if baking)
  • Large skillet (if pan-frying)
  • Air fryer (optional)
  • Steam pot and basket (if steaming)
  • tongs or spatula

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat your choice of protein; for beef, 70/30 is a juicy choice
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs panko or traditional
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp milk or water for a dairy-free option
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp parsley finely chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil for frying or air frying

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  • Firstly, in a small bowl, mix all the spices, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Then in a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, milk, garlic, parsley, and all the pre-mixed spices.
    1 lb ground meat, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp parsley, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp paprika, black pepper
  • Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing will make them dense and mushy.

Shape the Meatballs

  • Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture.
  • Gently roll each portion into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a plate or baking sheet. Keep them fluffy by not pressing or squeezing them too hard when making the balls.

Cook the Meatballs

  • Pan-Frying:
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Add meatballs in batches, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning frequently, until browned and cooked through.
    2 tbsp oil
  • Baking:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Arrange meatballs on the sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Air Frying:
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
    Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Steaming:
  • Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
  • Place a steamer basket or a heatproof plate inside the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the water.
  • Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the steamer basket or plate.
    Cover the pot with a lid and steam the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
    Remove from the pot and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with sauces of choice.  Check out the notes, add ins, and variations in the above article.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Best Homemade Mini Meatballs
Amount per Serving
Calories
52
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
11
mg
4
%
Sodium
 
59
mg
3
%
Potassium
 
46
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
0.1
g
0
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
23
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0.2
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
7
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.