italian style meatballs recipe

The Best italian style meatballs recipe

I’ve been making Italian-style meatballs for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. I love how easy they are to make and how versatile they are – you can serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a sub sandwich. My kids especially love them because they’re like little meaty orbs of joy that can be dipped in marinara sauce or melted mozzarella cheese.

I’ve experimented with different recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to. It’s a classic for a reason! The combination of ground beef, pork, and a blend of Italian seasonings gives the meatballs a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

And let’s not forget the texture – nice and tender on the inside, with a slightly firm exterior that holds up well to being cooked through. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so I can whip up a batch on the weekend and enjoy them all week long. Whether I’m serving them at a family gathering or just want something hearty for dinner, these meatballs are always a good idea.

They’re also relatively healthy compared to some other meatball recipes out there – with lean beef and pork as the main ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re putting into your body. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they’re also ridiculously easy to make… just mix everything together, form into balls, and bake until done.

Easy peasy! In fact, I like to think of this recipe as the ultimate comfort food – it’s like a warm hug in meatball form. And don’t even get me started on the leftovers…

just reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop and serve with some crusty bread for dipping in marinara sauce.

Italian Style Meatballs

Italian Style Meatballs

4.9 from 1767 votes

Juicy and flavorful Italian-style meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Perfect for serving with pasta or as a main 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 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Form the mixture into 12-14 meatballs, each about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
8In a skillet, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat.
9Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11Once the meatballs are done, carefully place them in the skillet with the sauce.
12Spoon the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly.
13Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Skillet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also add chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Watch Video Of How Italian Style Meatballs Works

This Italian-style meatball recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need something hearty for dinner.

And with its versatility in serving styles (appetizer, main course, sub sandwich), it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – just pop them into an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Style Meatballs

Q: What’s the difference between Italian-style meatballs and regular meatballs?

A: Italian-style meatballs typically contain a blend of Italian seasonings such as oregano, basil, and parsley, which give them a distinct flavor profile compared to regular meatballs.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef in Italian-style meatballs.

Q: How do I store leftover meatballs?

A: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make Italian-style meatballs without breadcrumbs?

A: While breadcrumbs do help bind the meat mixture together, you can omit them if you prefer.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover meatballs?

A: Reheating leftover meatballs is best done in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

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