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–+ servings

Homemade Classic Italian Meatball Recipe - Juicy & Flavorful

These tender, juicy Italian meatballs blend premium ground meats with the perfect balance of seasonings, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Whether served over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer, these versatile meatballs will become your new go-to recipe.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef preferably 80/20
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
  • 4 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Use your hands to gently mix the meats together without overworking.
  2. Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, minced garlic, grated onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the meat mixture.
  3. Mix all ingredients gently but thoroughly with your hands until just combined. Don't overwork the mixture or your meatballs will become tough.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
  5. Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon, portion out the meat mixture into 2-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs.
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Note: They don't need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  7. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  8. Pour marinara sauce into a large pot and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
  9. Carefully add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 1-1.5 hours, occasionally stirring with care to avoid breaking the meatballs.
  10. Serve hot with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 21gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 617mgFiber: 1g
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