Italian-Style Meatballs Recipe for Perfect Hors d’Oeuvres

This Italian-Style Meatballs recipe is a flavorful addition to your dinner party menu, offering savory, bite-sized morsels in a rich tomato sauce. Made with a blend of seasoned ground beef, fresh herbs, and Italian breadcrumbs, these meatballs are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Serve them with fresh bread or on their own as the perfect appetizer for gatherings in your cozy apartment setting.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2:
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, using your hands or a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3:
Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Meanwhile, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat until it simmers gently.

Step 4:
Add the baked meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5:
Transfer the Italian-Style Meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with toothpicks or mini forks for easy serving at your dinner party.

Italian-Style Meatballs are a Great Dinner Party Choice

Easy to Make Ahead

Preparing the Italian-Style Meatballs in advance allows you to focus on other details of your dinner party. You can bake the meatballs and store them in the marinara sauce until you’re ready to serve. This makes hosting stress-free and keeps the food fresh and delicious for your guests.

Perfect for Small Gatherings

These bite-sized appetizers are ideal for intimate gatherings in small apartments. Their manageable size makes them easy for guests to enjoy while mingling, ensuring no one is left hungry. They’re the perfect appetizer that fits well with compact dining setups.

Versatile Serving Options

Whether you’re setting up a stationary display or passing these meatballs around on a tray, they adapt easily to your party style. Serve them in small bowls with fresh bread for a more substantial bite or use toothpicks for easy pick-up during cocktail hour.

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