I may cook quite a few “exotic” or complicated dishes, but sometimes something simple and comforting and nostalgic really hits the spot. And when it comes to nostalgia and comfort food, it’s hard to beat an old-fashioned, but easy, Italian meatball recipe. Just thinking about spaghetti and meatballs makes me smile.
This recipe is easy, quick, and just perfect for one person. Yes, one person. Just six meatballs.
You can serve your meatballs the classic way, with spaghetti and pasta sauce, but they’re also great for making a fast Italian wedding soup.
If you like, double the recipe and split between the two. If you don’t want the soup right away, just pop the meatballs in the freezer. Then days, or weeks later you can defrost them and treat yourself to soup in a few minutes.
I’ve kept this recipe simple, and easy, but you can change it to suit your own tastes and preferences. Check the end of the post for some inspiration. You can make it spicier, swap the bread crumbs for oatmeal or potato starch (to make it gluten-free), or use turkey instead of beef. A mixture of pork and beef is good too.
Easy Meatball Recipe for One
Simple Italian meatball recipe for one person.
Notes
If you don't mind a two step process, preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees. Place the raw meatballs on the tray that comes with the oven. Cook for a minute or two. While that's cooking, heat the oil in a skillet on medium heat. Transfer the meatballs to the pan and cook, turning gently, until they are done, about 5-7 minutes.
This helps keep the meatballs from falling apart.
*You can use the rest of the egg for Eggplant Parmesan or in an Egg and Tomato Gratin for One Person .
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. ground beef
- 2 tsp chopped onions
- 1T plus 1 tsp bread crumbs
- 1/2 egg, beaten*
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- pinch dried basil
- salt and pepper
- olive or canola oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients except the oil in a bowl and mix together, using your hands.
- Form the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat the oil in a skillet and gently place the meatballs in the pan. Let them cook for a minute or two, then turn them gently (so they don't fall apart). Cook for about 10 minutes.
Substitutions and Variations for Easy Italian Meatballs
- use a mixture of ground beef and pork, instead of just beef
- add more garlic
- add oregano
- if you don’t have breadcrumbs, grind up some oats in a mini-chopper, use quick-cooking oats, or try potato starch
- use ground turkey or chicken instead of meat (if you do, I recommend getting the dark meat turkey; it tastes better)
- add a splash of sriracha
Easy Meatball (and Ground Beef) Recipes for One
Sloppy Joe Recipe for One Person
A bit messy, but worth the extra napkin, this Sloppy Joe recipe is wonderful comfort food. Heck, a friend saw the recipe and wanted some right away! It may bring back childhood memories, but this is for grownups. It packs a bit of a kick.
Make your meatballs, add some broth, and other standard ingredients, and you have soup. And you don’t have to chop for an hour or wait for it to simmer either.
Cheeseburger with Compound Butter
Turn your burger into a gourmet treat with compound butter. Soften the butter, mix in some herbs, and add that to your ground beef. The beef is moister, more flavorful, and tastes wonderful, with very little effort.
White Ragu Pappardelle Pasta for One
A delicious change from the usual ragu. There’s not a tomato in sight. Instead, this dish has ground beef, sausage, white wine, and earthy porcini mushrooms, blended with a touch of cream.