simple italian meatball recipe

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The Best simple italian meatball recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, the simple Italian meatball recipe. I’ve been making these meatballs for years, and they’re always a hit with my kids and husband.

The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make and require just a few ingredients. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for them to get involved in.

We make these meatballs for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions like holidays and game day parties. They’re also a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet, as you can add finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat mixture.

Plus, they freeze beautifully, so we can enjoy them all year round. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s a great way to use up leftover bread – just tear it into small pieces and add it to the meat mixture.

This helps keep the meatballs moist and adds texture. I’ve tried using different types of cheese in this recipe, but mozzarella is by far our favorite.

It gives the meatballs a creamy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

4.9 from 1023 votes

This classic Italian meatball recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. It is a great for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.

4Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

5Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.
5 inches in diameter.

6Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

7Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the meatballs.

8Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.

9While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

10Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

11Add tomato sauce, water, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.

12Stir well to combine.

13Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

14Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the oven and add them to the saucepan with the simmering sauce.

15Spoon the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly.

16Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

17Serve the meatballs hot, with pasta or on a sub roll.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl

Baking sheet

Oven

Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Watch Video Of How Simple Italian Meatball Recipe Works

This simple Italian meatball recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion. They are also a great option for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and portion them out for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

They are also a great option for freezing. You can make a big batch and freeze them for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight. I love that I can make a big batch and freeze them. This is a recipe that I will be making for years to come.

I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. They are a great option for family gatherings. You can make a big batch and serve them with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also serve them with a side of garlic bread.

They are a delicious and easy meal option that everyone will love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatball

6. Can I freeze cooked meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

simple italian meatball recipe

The Best simple italian meatball recipe