meatballs with beef and pork recipe

The Best meatballs with beef and pork recipe

Meatballs with beef and pork are a staple in many Italian-American households, and for good reason. The combination of ground beef and pork creates a meatball that is both juicy and flavorful. I first fell in love with this recipe when I was a young mother, trying to get my kids to eat healthier meals.

The kids loved the meatballs, and I loved how easy they were to make. As I started experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings, I realized that this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal, meatballs with beef and pork are always a crowd-pleaser.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – by using lean ground beef and adding plenty of vegetables to the meat mixture, you can create a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, and now it’s one of my go-to meals when I need something comforting and familiar. My kids still love it, and my husband requests it whenever he can get away with it!

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make – just mix everything together, form into balls, and bake until golden brown. Easy peasy, right?

I’ve included some tips below for making the perfect meatballs – but honestly, even with my most novice cooks in the kitchen, these meatballs turn out perfectly every time.

Classic Beef and Pork Meatballs

4.8 from 1650 votes

Tender and juicy meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 small onion (grated)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
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 bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
4Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Be careful not to overmix.
6Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
7Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
9The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
10While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
11In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
12Stir well to combine.
13Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
14Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
15Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the oven.
16Add them to the saucepan with the sauce, stirring gently to coat each meatball.
17Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
18Serve the meatballs hot, with the sauce spooned over the top.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Spoon
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Classic Beef and Pork Meatballs Works

This recipe for meatballs with beef and pork is one of my favorites because it’s so versatile – whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or as a main course for a family dinner.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through.

You can also freeze them for later use – just store them in an airtight container or freezer bag until you’re ready to thaw and reheat them.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Beef and Pork Meatballs

Q: What type of ground beef is best for meatballs?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using a lean ground beef with at least 80/20 fat content. This will ensure that your meatballs are juicy without being too greasy. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional beef, you can also try using bison or venison – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I use pre-made breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs?

A: While you can use pre-made breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs if you’re short on time, I highly recommend making your own breadcrumbs from scratch. This will add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your meatballs that’s hard to replicate with store-bought breadcrumbs.

Q: How do I prevent my meatballs from breaking apart?

A: To prevent your meatballs from breaking apart during baking or cooking, make sure to handle them gently when forming them into balls – over-handling can cause the mixture to become tough and crumbly. Also, don’t overmix the meat mixture itself – just mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance – just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them off. When you’re ready to cook them, simply form them into balls as instructed in the recipe.

Q: How do I reheat leftover meatballs?

A: To reheat leftover meatballs, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through – about 10-15 minutes depending on how many you have.

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