Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs. If frying, skip this step.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out portions of the meatball mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cook the Meatballs:
Option 1: Baking - Place the shaped meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
Option 2: Frying - Heat the olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Serve the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them hot with your favorite sauce, such as marinara sauce, over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer.
Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.