Homemade Spicy Italian Meatballs 🍝🌶️

These spicy Italian meatballs are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a hearty pasta dish, a sub sandwich, or even as a fun party appetizer! Juicy and packed with a delightful kick, these meatballs sing with the zest of Italy and just the right amount of heat. Serve them with marinara sauce and your favorite pasta or enjoy them on their own with a side of garlic bread for a cozy meal! 🍞🍽️

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style for an extra boost!)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

   🥄 Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs!

3. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned.

5. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the marinara sauce. Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor!

   🍅 If you prefer a bit of sweetness, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, alongside cooked spaghetti or as desired!

Variations

• Add more heat: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick! 🔥
• Meatless option: Swap out the meat for a combination of lentils, breadcrumbs, and spices to create hearty vegetarian meatballs.
• Cheesy center: Insert a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball before baking for a gooey surprise! 🧀
• Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze the uncooked meatballs. Just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer when you're ready to enjoy!

These spicy Italian meatballs are sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds, making any meal feel special! Buon appetito! 🍽️❤️