Meatball Recipe, Beef, with Salad, and Tomato Rice as a Side

 Meatball Recipe, Beef, with Salad, and Tomato Rice as a Side

Ingredients

(for about 20 meatballs)

: 500g ground beef (rump or rump)

1 egg

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed stale bread)

1/4 cup milk

1/2 small onion, finely chopped or grated

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 teaspoon salt

Black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Olive oil or oil for frying (or baking)

For the sauce

(optional):

2 cups tomato sauce

1/2 chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Basil leaves (optional)

Preparation:

Preparing the Meatballs:

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

Knead well with your hands until a smooth dough forms.

Shape into balls of the desired size (about 2-3 cm in diameter).

Cooking the meatballs

:Frying:

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet and fry the meatballs over medium heat, turning them over until golden brown on all sides (about 8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels.

Baking (healthier option): Preheat the oven to 200°C, place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Prepare the sauce

(if desired)

: In a saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Add the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10 minutes over low heat.

Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for another 5-10 minutes to incorporate the flavors. Add basil, if desired.