how to make italian meatballs recipe

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The Best how to make italian meatballs recipe

I’ve been making Italian meatballs for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me mix the meat and breadcrumbs, and my husband appreciates the fact that they’re easy to make in large quantities.

This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’ve modified it over the years to suit our tastes. The key to making great meatballs is to not overmix the ingredients, so be sure to handle the meat gently when mixing it with the other ingredients.

I also like to use a combination of beef and pork for added flavor. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve them with a marinara sauce and some crusty bread for dipping.

But honestly, they’re just as delicious served with a simple pasta dish or as an appetizer at a party. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s easy to make in advance – just form the meat into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to cook them.

This makes it perfect for meal prep or for serving at a potluck dinner. My family loves these meatballs so much that we’ve even started making them for special occasions like holidays and game-day gatherings.

Classic Italian Meatballs

Classic Italian Meatballs

4.5 from 1563 votes

Tender and flavorful Italian meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for spaghetti or as a standalone dish.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.
4Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
6Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
7Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.
8While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
9In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
10Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
11Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
12Stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
13Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, spooning the sauce over each meatball to coat them evenly.
15Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
16Serve the meatballs hot, with the sauce spooned over the top.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Saucepan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef and pork. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner.

My family loves these meatballs so much that we’ve even started making them for special occasions like holidays and game-day gatherings.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize – feel free to add your own favorite herbs or spices to give it a personal touch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatballs

Q: What is the origin of Italian meatballs?

Italian meatballs, also known as polpettini in Italian, have their roots in Italy, where they were traditionally made with beef or pork and served with a tomato-based sauce.

Q: Can I make Italian meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can make Italian meatballs in advance by forming the meat into balls, placing them on a baking sheet, and refrigerating or freezing until you’re ready to cook them.

Q: How do I prevent Italian meatballs from becoming too dense?

To prevent Italian meatballs from becoming too dense, make sure not to overmix the ingredients when mixing the meat with the other ingredients.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef or pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef or pork if you prefer – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I keep Italian meatballs moist?

To keep Italian meatballs moist, make sure not to overcook them and try using a combination of beef and pork for added moisture.

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