Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs for added moisture.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.
  7. Allow cooling slightly before serving.