Go Back

The Best Meatballs

Learn how to make meatballs with this recipe that combines ground beef, veal, and pork, with garlic, parsley, and cheese for the best meatballs ever!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, veal, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix with your hands until just combined—avoid overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, about 24 pieces. Place on a baking sheet.
  4. 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).
  5. If desired, transfer browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
  6. Serve hot over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a tasty appetizer with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.