
These Classic Italian Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for serving with pasta or enjoying on their own. Made with a combination of beef, pork, and seasoned breadcrumbs, they are simmered in a rich marinara sauce for the ultimate homemade meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Add the egg mixture to the breadcrumb mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork, and mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the Meatballs
- With your hands, shape the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 16-20 meatballs depending on the size.
3. Fry the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are browned all over.
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them.
- Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld.
5. Serve
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or as a standalone dish with extra sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~400
- Carbs: ~15g
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~25g
Tips & Variations
🍞 Breadcrumbs: For a lighter version, use Panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
🧀 Cheese: For extra flavor, add mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball before frying.
🌿 Herbs: Feel free to add more fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to the meatballs for a more aromatic flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and simmer in marinara sauce.
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