Appetizer: Spain – Albóndigas (Meatballs)
Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
12 min
Cook
8 min
Additional
3 min
Total
20 min
Ingredients
U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate; oz means weight ounces, not fluid ounces.
1 lb (450 g) ground beef 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk 1 egg 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped parsley Salt to taste Black pepper to taste Olive oil for frying Simple tomato sauce (for serving)
Show original ingredient measurements
1 lb / 450 g ground beef 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk 1 egg 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped parsley Salt to taste Black pepper to taste Olive oil for frying Simple tomato sauce (for serving)
Instructions
1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak briefly. Mix with ground beef, egg, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper until just combined. 2. Shape into small, bite-sized meatballs. 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry meatballs in batches until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). 4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with toothpicks and a side of simple tomato sauce.
Estimated Nutritional Information*
Per serving | Servings: 4
Calories: 329 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12.2 g
Protein: 24.9 g
Fat: 19.2 g
Saturated fat: 7.2 g
Cholesterol: 119 mg
Fiber: 0.8 g
Sugar: 1.8 g
Sodium: 208 mg
Potassium: 414 mg
Calcium: 73 mg
Iron: 3.42 mg
Vitamin A: 38 µg RAE
Vitamin C: 3.1 mg
Vitamin D: 0.5 µg
Nutrition estimated: November 5, 2026
*Values are estimates based on USDA data and mathematical calculations. Actual values may vary. Where data are unavailable, those contributions are excluded. Calories, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Saturated fat, Cholesterol, Fiber, Sugar, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are known subtotals. Missing contributions are unknown, not zero.