The Little Trick Behind Ultra-Tender, Kid-Approved Meatballs

Kids can be surprisingly picky when it comes to meatballs. If they are not made exactly the way they like them, they may refuse to eat them. But when meatballs are soft, juicy, and mildly seasoned, they tend to disappear quickly.

A Winning Meatball Recipe That Kids Love

Ingredients

• 500 grams (1 pound) ground beef, preferably with a little fat

• 1 small onion, grated

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional)

• 1 tablespoon ketchup (the secret ingredient, which adds softness and a flavor children love)

• ¼ cup oil

Instructions

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until you have a soft, uniform mixture.

If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more water.

With wet hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs.

Cooking Options

Pan Frying:

Heat a little oil in a skillet and fry the meatballs until browned on both sides and cooked through.

Baking:

Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Serve as they are or pair them with your favorite sauce.

Important Tip

For especially tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

A brief mix is all that's needed. Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs dense and less juicy.