How to make meatballs

Meatballs can be added to a wide selection of dishes. While commonly used in Mediterranean meals, their versatility extends to a variety of cuisines, such as this hearty Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe or beef and fetta meatballs with risoni. You can even try making IKEA-inspired Swedish pork meatballs that everybody loves.

Step-by-step guide to making meatballs

Here’s the simplest way to prepare and cook meatballs for almost any cuisine.

• First, prepare the meat for your meatballs. You can use beef, pork, poultry or lamb mince.
• Add seasoning, such as oregano for Italian, harissa for North African or dill for Swedish meatballs.
• Combine your mince with one raw egg or another binding ingredient, such as plain flour or breadcrumbs.
• Shape the raw meatballs using your hands, softly pressing the meat until it forms a ball about the size of a golf ball. 
• Place each meatball on a plate as you prepare them. You can always freeze any that won’t be used for your recipe.
• Warm some oil in a frying pan until it begins to sizzle.
• Carefully place the meatballs into the frying pan and use a wooden spoon or spatula to keep them moving on the pan, ensuring they cook evenly and don’t stick.
• Cooking meatballs in batches typically requires around 7-8 minutes of cooking time. Leave them in the pan for longer, as needed, to ensure they’re cooked all the way through.
• You can now serve your meatballs or add them to a sauce, curry or sandwich, depending on your recipe.

How to shape raw meatballs

Crafting perfect meatballs involves shaping them into round forms to ensure even cooking. After all, they’re called meatballs for a reason. You can use an ice cream scoop to make spherical meatballs, but the best way is to work them in the cupped palms of your hands, passing them from one hand to the other until they take on the desired shape.

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How to cook meatballs in an air fryer

Cooking meatballs in an air fryer is similar to pan-frying them. Begin by handcrafting the meatballs as described earlier. Next, rather than frying them in a pan, place the raw meatballs in your air fryer. Ensure that each meatball is spaced apart in the tray to ensure even cooking from all sides. Heat the air fryer to 175°C, and cook the meatballs for somewhere between 10-12 minutes, depending on the size and quantity. Remove the tray around two-thirds into cooking, and gently move the meatballs around for even cooking until they’re done.

Key tips for perfectly cooked meatballs

• Have all ingredients (flour, egg, seasoning) on hand. This way, you won’t have to keep washing your hands between steps.
• Roll your meatballs gently so that they don’t become too squashed or dense.
• Avoid excessive use of additional ingredients to prevent meatballs from becoming too floury or eggy — a little goes a long way.
• Pre-cook your meatballs before adding them to the sauce to achieve a delicious texture and flavour.

Meatballs are a versatile addition to countless dishes and have long been a favourite for family dinners. Explore more family-friendly meals to find new favourites for everyone to enjoy.

FAQs

What are the best methods for cooking meatballs?

Meatballs can be oven-baked, simmered in a sauce, pan-fried, or deep-fried, offering many cooking options to suit any dish.

Is it better to bake or pan-fry meatballs?

Neither method is better, but it is important to note that they produce different results. Baking meatballs can result in a slightly drier texture, which leads to a crispier texture outside. Pan-frying, on the other hand, demands more attention to ensure you don’t burn them.

Is it better to make meatballs in a sauce?

Simmering meatballs in a sauce allows the flavours to infuse, but this method may compromise the desired texture. You can instead part-cook meatballs in the oven or on a pan before adding them to a sauce.

How long does it take to cook meatballs in the oven?

When cooking meatballs in a fan-assisted oven, the process usually takes around 30 minutes. However, if using an oven without this function, consider adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can you cook raw meatballs directly in a sauce?

Yes, you can, but the sauce will need to be at a high temperature, ideally simmering, until the meatballs have cooked completely through. For a subtle sauce that you prefer not to simmer for too long, consider partially cooking meatballs in a pan or oven before adding them to the sauce.