Description
These irresistible Italian meatballs are tender, flavorful, and simmered in a rich homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, parsley, garlic, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a tray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to sear all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is thickened.
- Serve hot over pasta, in a sub roll, or as desired.
Notes
- Use a combination of beef and pork for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- These meatballs freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Simmering the meatballs in sauce adds flavor and keeps them moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
