homemade italian meatball recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade italian meatball recipe

I’ve been making homemade Italian meatballs for years, and they’re still a family favorite. I love how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a potluck. My kids adore helping me mix the meat mixture and rolling the balls into perfect spheres.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I’ve experimented with various types of meat, but ground beef remains my go-to choice.

It’s affordable, flavorful, and holds together beautifully after cooking. The key to this recipe lies in the home cooking technique – we’ll cover that in a minute. But first, let’s talk about where this dish comes from.

Italian meatballs have been around for centuries, originating from the Campania region in southern Italy. The original recipe consisted of meat mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then formed into small balls and baked or fried. Over time, various regional twists emerged, including the addition of cheese and herbs.

Today, you can find countless variations online, but I stick to my tried-and-true recipe because it yields the most tender, flavorful results.

Homemade Italian Meatballs

4.7 from 1633 votes

Tender and flavorful Italian meatballs made from scratch. Perfect for serving with pasta or as a main dish.

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 lb ground pork
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
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil

For the Sauce

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat 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, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
4Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5The mixture should be sticky and hold together when squeezed.
6Form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, rolling them gently between your hands.
7Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8This should make approximately 16-18 meatballs.
9Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
10The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
11Remove from the oven and set aside.
12While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
13In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
14Stir well to combine.
15Cook the sauce over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken and the flavors have melded.
16If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.
17Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly.
18Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
19Serve the meatballs hot, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
20Enjoy with pasta or as a main dish.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Spoon
Measuring cup
Measuring spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Italian Meatballs Works

This homemade Italian meatball recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it never fails to impress our family and friends. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the lean beef and fresh herbs.

For an added health boost, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. When storing leftovers, be sure to reheat them safely by baking in the oven until hot through – avoid microwaving as it can lead to uneven heating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatballs

Q1: What type of meat should I use for meatballs?

For this recipe, I recommend using ground beef as it provides the best flavor and texture. You can also experiment with other meats like pork or turkey if you prefer a leaner option.

Q2: Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q3: How do I prevent meatballs from breaking apart when cooking?

To avoid this issue, make sure your meat mixture is not over-mixed and that you don’t overcook them.

Q4: Can I bake meatballs instead of frying them?

Baking is a great alternative to frying – simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Q5: What is the best way to store leftover meatballs?

After cooking, let the meatballs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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