Description
These Italian Meatballs are a hearty, comforting classic bursting with authentic flavors from a blend of ground beef and pork, fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and traditional Italian seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, they can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers. Juicy and tender with minimal fuss, they deliver the delicious taste of Italy right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, grated Parmesan, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the meatballs: Use your hands to form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures they cook uniformly and look restaurant-quality.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart.
- Simmer in sauce: Transfer browned meatballs to a pot of warm marinara sauce. Let them simmer gently for 20-25 minutes so they soak up the sauce’s rich tomato flavors and finish cooking inside.
- Serve and enjoy: Once fully cooked, serve your Italian Meatballs hot with pasta, crusty bread, or as desired. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Using a combo of beef and pork boosts tenderness and moisture.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk to prevent dense, dry meatballs.
- Mix ingredients gently for tender meatballs, avoiding toughness.
- Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Browning meatballs first locks in flavor and adds a delicious crust.
- Simmer meatballs gently in sauce, don’t boil to keep shape and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg