Calabrian Style Meatballs

My Italian upbringing meant “meatballs in the house” — meatballs covered with marinara, fried meatballs, baked meatballs, meatball sandwiches, you name it.  These meatballs are easy to prepare, the ingredients are affordable, and it’s the ideal meal for lunch or dinner. Your family will love it so much that you’ll want to make these often.

Calabrian Style Meatballs

Serves 4

1 pound lean ground beef

1 egg

½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon dried basil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to broil.

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; incorporate thoroughly. Roll the meat between the palms of your hands to desired size. Place meatballs on a broiling pan, and cook in the oven, turning often, until brown and cooked through. Serve with Maria’s Marinara Sauce (see recipe).

©Recipe by Maria Desiderata Montana