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Monster Meatballs Recipe

Monster Meatballs Recipe

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (80/20)
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • 1 cup Italian Style Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 small Yellow Onion, very finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the milk. Stir them together and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This creates a “panade,” which is the secret to keeping your giant meatballs moist and preventing them from becoming tough.
  2. Step 2: Combine the Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, diced onion, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the soaked breadcrumb mixture to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overwork the meat, or it will become dense.
  3. Step 3: Shape the Monster Meatballs. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form a large, smooth ball. They should be roughly the size of a baseball. Make sure there are no deep cracks on the surface so they hold together during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Sear the Meatballs. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan, working in batches if necessary. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until a brown crust forms. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
  5. Step 5: Simmer in Sauce. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let them simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Use a spoon to occasionally baste the meatballs with the sauce. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).