Dana's BEST Italian Meat Balls

mmm mmm mmm My house smells GREAT!!
I just made 400 of these babies!!
we have enough for dinner tonight
AND 4 more meals in the freezer for later!
Spaghetti n Meatballs!
Meatball Subs!
Meatball Pizza!
I could go on and on.....
Yummm!!

Dana's BEST Italian Meat Balls

These babies can be made ahead of time , frozen, then tossed into your favorite sauce for pasta, or a great meatball sub!
Just simmer them in your favorite sauce for a bit to blend the flavors and you'll be very happy!
I promise!

makes approx 36 meatballs
(I always at least triple this recipe! we eat one then vacuum seal & freeze the rest into two other family sized meals for later!)

3 lbs lean ground beef
10-15 slices worth of soft bread crumbs (I just pulse mine in my food processor)
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon minced garlic (or to taste)
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
2 teaspoons parsley (or to taste)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
oil (for pan frying)
sometimes I also add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. (I use my kitchen-aid mixer with the dough hook)
If it looks too dry .. throw in another egg.

Roll meatballs 1 1/2- 2" in diameter.
Heat about 1/4" of oil over medium heat in a large frying pan.
Fry meatballs in oil, rolling frequently, until evenly browned and juices run clear.

I bake mine in a 350 degree oven for about 18 min or till they are no longer pink inside.
On a rimmed cookie sheet with a wire rack so the grease drips off and away from the meatballs.

To freeze....
Cook , then toss family meal size portions into freezer bags, or better yet!
Vacuum seal them. and toss into the freezer for a wonderful home-cooked meal when you are short on time!


tomorrow we make 36 Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts.
some for dinner now.. some for the freezer later!