Classic Italian Meatballs: A Three-Meat Blend of Flavor and Comfort
Delicious Homemade Italian Meatballs for Dinner
If you’re craving hearty, flavorful meatballs, you’ve come to the right place! This Italian-inspired recipe for meatballs combines ground beef, veal, and pork with garlic, parsley, and cheese to create the juiciest, most tender bites imaginable.
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Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatballs Recipe
- Three-Meat Blend: Ground beef, veal, and pork deliver unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Fresh Herbs & Cheese: Garlic, parsley, and Parmesan add that signature Italian zing.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for dinner, party appetizers, or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients for Classic Italian Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground veal
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (optional for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, veal, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix with your hands until just combined—avoid overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, about 24 pieces. Place on a baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides (about 8–10 minutes).
- If desired, transfer browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Serve hot over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a tasty appetizer with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Meatballs
- Chill the mixture for 20 minutes before shaping to firm up the fats and spices.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs (from day-old Italian bread) for a lighter texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time—letting meatballs sit helps them hold their shape in the pan.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with: Spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic, crusty Italian bread, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 613 calories; 53 g fat; 27 g protein; 7 g carbs; 15 g saturated fat; 333 mg sodium.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these mouthwatering meatballs.
The Best Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, veal, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix with your hands until just combined—avoid overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, about 24 pieces. Place on a baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides (about 8–10 minutes).
- If desired, transfer browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Serve hot over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a tasty appetizer with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Recipe inspiration: The Best Meatballs on Allrecipes
