Shamrocks and Shenanigans: Meatballs

I think every kid loves Spaghetti and Meatballs. I don't make them as often as I probably should. They aren't time consuming. I can mix up a batch in minutes. They cook pretty fast in the oven. In fact, if you are used to making a meat sauce, I am sure this takes just as long as browning all the meats. Add tender meatballs to your favorite sauce and serve. You can definitely have dinner to the table in less than 30 minutes.

My meatballs are very simple. I like to chop up some wheat bread (no crust) and soak in a little milk while you mince up the garlic. You could use bread crumbs and I have. I have also used oatmeal. Both are fine but bread soaked in milk is my favorite. It produces these tender meatballs that are so perfect. I only bake until cooked thoroughly. I dont bake until crusty. Again, I like them to be delicate.

Meatballs
1 package 80/20 hamburger
1 piece of wheat bread cut into small chunks (no crust)
1/2 cup cup milk
1 egg beaten
1 TB Italian Herb seasoning
2 gloves of garlic minced

In a bowl toss your bread and the milk in. Let sit while you mince up the garlic.

Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl. Mix quickly. This is key. You do not want to over mix. The more you mix the less delicate they will be.

I like to scoop with an ice cream scoop. I bought this one for large cookies but it makes the perfect golf ball size meatballs. Place on a foil lined cookie sheet.

roll each scoop into a round meatball. 1 pound of hamburger makes 12 meatballs which is perfect for a family of four.

Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 15 minutes (check them, my oven runs hot)
I like to make sauce in huge batches and use for a couple different recipes in a week. Jarred sauce would be just as good. Use what is good for your family. If you are looking for a great sauce that is fast. Marcella Hazan's Tomato Sauce can be made while you cook the meatballs.