Description

These easy, flavorful Drop Meatballs are the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Made with simple ingredients, they come together quickly without the hassle of rolling, delivering juicy and tender meatballs every time.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped or grated

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying or baking

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tender meatballs.
Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet or directly into a skillet. The meatballs don’t need to be perfectly round—this rustic shape adds to their charm.
For pan-frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 12–15 minutes.
For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Serve with your favorite sauce—marinara, BBQ, or Swedish-style gravy—or enjoy them on their own as appetizers.

Notes

Spicy Drop Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils for a meatless version.

Cheese-stuffed Meatballs: Add small cubes of mozzarella or cheddar to the center of each meatball for a cheesy surprise.

Herb Boost: Swap fresh parsley with basil, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 meatball
Calories: 75
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg