Meatballs are a staple in Italian cuisine and are loved worldwide for their deliciousness. Making them from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating perfect, juicy meatballs that will become a family favorite.
Homemade Italian Meatball Recipe
These homemade Italian meatballs are a classic comfort food that the whole family will love. They are tender, flavorful, and perfect for pasta dishes or as a hearty appetizer. This recipe yields approximately 20 meatballs, making it great for gatherings or meal prep.
Equipment
- 2 cups marinara sauce (for serving)
- large mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- large skillet
- tongs
- serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce's flavors.
- Serve the Italian meatballs on a platter, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Serve these Italian meatballs with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish. You can also make meatball subs by placing them in a hoagie roll with melted cheese and additional marinara sauce. These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer with toothpicks or added to soups and stews.
You can make smaller or larger meatballs depending on your preference. Feel free to customize the seasoning to match your taste.
Nutrition
Fiber: 1gCalories: 280kcalFat: 18gProtein: 22gCarbohydrates: 10g
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