Wagyu Meatball Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

Wagyu beef is renowned worldwide for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. When transformed into meatballs, this luxurious cut offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates a classic comfort food to gourmet status.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, wagyu meatballs are a perfect choice. They bring a depth of flavor and juicy texture that few other meats can match.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, allowing the natural qualities of wagyu beef to shine through. Paired with a savory sauce and fresh herbs, these meatballs promise to be a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer. Let’s dive in and discover how to craft these sumptuous wagyu meatballs from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve never cooked with wagyu beef before, this recipe is an excellent introduction. The high-fat content of wagyu ensures the meatballs stay incredibly moist and tender, preventing dryness that can sometimes occur with leaner meats.

Each bite bursts with rich, buttery flavor that’s simply unforgettable.

Moreover, this recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples and minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

You’ll also appreciate the flexibility to customize the seasoning and sauce to suit your taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, these wagyu meatballs are guaranteed to deliver a delicious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 500g wagyu ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat for perfect moisture)
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup whole milk (to soak breadcrumbs)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• For the sauce:
• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or oregano leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet (optional, if baking instead of frying)
• Small saucepan
• Knife and chopping board
• Food thermometer (optional, for perfect doneness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs are soft.
2. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the wagyu ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
3. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray. You should get approximately 15-18 meatballs.
4. Cook the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-6 minutes total. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage since they will finish cooking in the sauce.
5. Make the tomato sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add sugar if desired, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Simmer meatballs in sauce: Carefully transfer the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C is recommended).
7. Serve and garnish: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from heat. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano leaves. Serve hot with pasta, crusty bread, or your preferred side.

Tips & Variations

“For the juiciest meatballs, be careful not to overwork the meat mixture. Lightly mix until ingredients are just combined.”

Here are some tips to make your wagyu meatballs shine:

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil add brightness and depth to the meatballs and sauce.
• Try baking instead of frying: For a lighter version, bake the shaped meatballs in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20 minutes, then add to sauce.
• Add spice: Incorporate chili flakes or smoked paprika into the mix for a subtle kick.
• Cheese variations: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or add mozzarella centers for gooey surprises.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.

For a complete meal, consider pairing these meatballs with a fresh salad like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. Or try them alongside a comforting side such as Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to balance the richness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Wagyu meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Serve over your favorite pasta with extra sauce and grated cheese for a classic Italian-style meal.
• Use them as a filling for meatball subs topped with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese.
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a comforting and hearty dinner.
• Skewer them as appetizers at your next party, accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce.
• For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp salad like the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious for a fresh, vibrant flavor combination.

Conclusion

Cooking with wagyu beef transforms a simple dish into a luxurious culinary experience. These wagyu meatballs are not only packed with flavor but also boast a tender, juicy texture that stands out from traditional meatballs.

The recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels and adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you serve them at a family dinner, a special occasion, or as a comforting weekday meal, wagyu meatballs will impress with their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying tenderness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs, spices, and serving styles to make this recipe your own.

For more inspiration on wholesome and delicious meals, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or explore other creative ideas on the blog. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Wagyu Meatball Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious and tender wagyu beef meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish served with your favorite sauce.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground wagyu beef”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 large egg”, “2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped”, “1 tsp salt”, “1/2 tsp black pepper”, “1/2 tsp dried oregano”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1/2 cup marinara sauce”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine wagyu beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix until just combined, do not overwork.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer meatballs to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove meatballs and toss gently in marinara sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “25 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8 g”}}