Gourmet Meatballs

Ingredients

• Ground beef (1/2 pound)
• Ground pork (1/2 pound)
• Ground veal (1/2 pound)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Onion (1, finely chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Bread crumbs (1/2 cup)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated (optional))
• Marinara sauce (2 cups (for serving, optional))

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and veal. Mix gently with your hands to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Add the beaten egg, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are compact but not overly tightly packed.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
6. If desired, serve the meatballs with warm marinara sauce over spaghetti or in a sub sandwich, or enjoy them on their own as an appetizer.