I spent a good five minutes pondering what to name this post. It’s quite difficult to make meatballs sound fancy or glamorous, so I eventually settled on basic and descriptive. What did I make? Meatballs. How did I make ‘em? I baked ‘em. Thanks for stopping by.
Just kidding. But really, that’s basically it.
To the abject shock and horror of the throes of full-blooded proud I-talians populating Long Island, I don’t really remember ever eating homemade meatballs. I have a few dismal memories of frozen turkey meatballs that, frankly, I’d like to forget.
OH MY GOSH! I just remembered that I haven’t updated you guys on so much important stuff!
- We made it through Sandy without any damage and only four days of powerlessness–though our thoughts and prayers are with so many people on the East coast who are still suffering through so much; and
- I found out that I PASSED MY BOARDS!! Hallelujah–we don’t have to move into my car; and
- Marisa–you are the winner of the Focus on Food Photography for Bloggers book! Congrats! Email me your address at lauren@fullmeasureofhappiness.com, and I’ll have the book sent your way pronto.
Anyway, back to the meatballs. They are really easy to make, quick to bake, and incredibly homey and delicious with some homemade tomato and mushroom sauce. Or jarred sauce. Or whatever sauce strikes your fancy.
Baked Meatballs (adapted from the original recipe on Pinterest–you can find it on my “Food to Make” Pinterest board.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 eggs beaten with 1/2 C skim milk
- 1 C seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 t each dried oregano and basil
- 1 t salt
- 1/4 t ground black pepper
I doubled this recipe cause we were having friends come over–hi Drew and Sherry!–(and I wanted lots of leftovers for a chilly Sunday afternoon), but the original recipe makes plenty for four to six.
Having never made meatballs before, I was really surprised at how easy and really tasty they were. I would definitely make this recipe again–I love meals like this: homemade, hearty, and really comforting. Perfect for serving to friends who still don’t have power.
So to all those out there who would jump off a cliff to defend the reign of your grandmother’s meatball recipe–what’s your secret to the world’s best meatballs?
Stay safe out there in the gas lines and without traffic lights! Henry is on the lookout:
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Hannah
November 4, 2012 at 8:01 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never made meatballs either – maybe have made them 3 times more recently. Just little mini circles of meatloaf! Don’t know why grandma rarely made them. I don’t remember ever serving you frozen turkey meatballs, so I hope that wasn’t me (given Dad’s love for substituting turkey for beef, I doubt it was something I made you). Baking sounds like a great plan – I’ll try it soon!
Lauren Zietsman
November 4, 2012 at 8:02 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nope not you! Haha
Marisa
November 4, 2012 at 10:33 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks so much Lauren for the book! I emailed you with my information, I look forward to reading it and using it for my blog!! Your meatballs looked so good that I made my own version today- but didn’t bake them. If you want to check it out (with the still amateur photography!) head over here: http://uprootfromoregon.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/turkey-meatballs-in-tomato-sauce/.
Marisa
December 27, 2012 at 12:46 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hi Lauren- Still haven’t heard from you regarding the book! I emailed you my address and everything so I look forward to hearing from you
Feel free to let me know if you need the address again. Can’t wait to get the book.
Katherine
November 5, 2012 at 10:32 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Your pictures are so beautiful!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
Amanda@AnUnlikelyDietitian
November 6, 2012 at 9:58 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These look amazing. I hardly ever cook meat, but as I lie here with the rain and thunder outside, I have a small meaty plan brewing, thanks to this recipe! Mmm. Thanks
Taryn
November 8, 2012 at 3:57 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The meatballs look delicious! They probably would be great on top of the butternut squash ravioli!
Charles Coe
January 8, 2013 at 5:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nice basic recipe that can be tweaked to taste (adding parmesan cheese, chopped spinach or whatever). I like going half and half on ground beef and ground pork. Lovely photos–make me want some meatballs RIGHT NOW.
Lauren Zietsman
January 8, 2013 at 10:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
They taste even better than they look!
Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce | Uproot from Oregon
November 4, 2012 at 10:28 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] reading about one of my favorite blogger’s new recipes, baked meatballs, and winning a food photography book from her blog (thanks Lauren!), I decided it was imperative to [...]