Basic Meatballs

Grandma always said that cooking didn’t need to be complicated! Just a little planning, some good ingredients, and you've got the makings of a great meal. Planning is the key word here. When meat went on sale, Grandma stocked up. When she brought it home she set out to prepare a few good basics in advance to combine with other ingredients and create something delicious. Whatever wasn't used right away was put in the freezer.

This meatball recipe was one of her basics and they are truly delicious, simple to make, and freeze beautifully. You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator already. Grandma always made her own bread crumbs in her food processor using the bread she had on hand. She didn't think buying them was necessary--cost wise or health wise. There would have to be preservatives to keep those prepackaged crumbs from going bad and she didn't like that in her cooking! Instead of the ground beef and pork, you could substitute ground chicken or turkey, Italian sausage, or whatever you like. This recipe is so versatile! 

Basic Meatballs

1/2 lb lean ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

2 Tbsp onion, minced

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Combine ground beef and pork. Mix in egg, garlic salt, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, onion and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into 1-inch balls and use in desired recipe.

If you wish to freeze them for later use, arrange close together in a single layer on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350F for 7 minutes. No need to cook all the way as they will continue cooking when prepared later. Freeze meatballs in single layer then transfer to freezer bag. When ready to use, just thaw! 6 servings.

Meal suggestions: Besides the typical pasta dish, you could use these alone as a meatball appetizer with fondue or try Swedish meatballs. Delicious!