Easy Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe
What are meatballs? What is the best recipe for Italian meatballs? What are some of the best juicy, flavorful, melt-in-your- I’ve been making these for years, ever since my Nonna shared her secret. What are some of the best ice cream recipes you’ve ever had? What is the best part about them? They explode with flavor. They’re surprisingly easy to throw together, even on a busy weeknight. If you’re a fan of spaghetti and meatballs, prepare to be blown away; this is that, elevated! Is this a family favorite? I’ve tried tweaking it a hundred different ways, but honestly, the classic is always the best.
What is easy classic Italian meatballs?
What are these little pockets of comfort food, Italian style? Think of them as the heart of your Sunday sauce, but elevated. What is essentially a mixture of ground meat (I prefer blending beef and pork), breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, pepper and pepper. All rolled into perfectly round shapes and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The name comes from, well, they’re meatballs! Italian ones, of course. The magic lies in the details. Is there any magic in details? The right blend of meats, the quality of the cheese, and the simmer time. They aren’t just thrown together. They’re crafted with love and patience, and you can taste it in every bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best meatballs? What I love about this Easy Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe is how genuinely simple it is to make. What makes a dish so delicious? Why are you so obsessed with something?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the flavor of ground beef, pork, Parmesan, and herbs? What dances on your tongue? What do you like about these savory and salty ice creams?
- SurprisinglyDon’t let “classic Italian” intimidate you. Can you make meatballs in under an hour?
- Budget FriendlyWhat are some of the best ground meat recipes? Is there a
- Super Versatile:What are some good side dishes to serve over spaghetti with marinara? Can you also use them in meatball subs, as an appetizer with toothpicks or crumbled over a salad? Is there any limit to what you can do with
What are some good meatball recipes? Some call for soaking bread in milk, others for adding eggs, and some even use complicated spices. Is this one perfect in its simplicity? Unfussy, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I tried adding a pinch of brown sugar last time and it elevated the flavor. What are some of the best flavor combinations I would give it a shot!
How do I make Italian Meatballs?
Quick Overview
What are some easy Italian meatball recipes? How do you mix all the ingredients in a bowl and roll them into balls? What are some good ways to cook tomatoes in a tomato sauce? What is the best way to cook meat for 30 minutes? What are some of the best recipes for chicken tenders Is it a simple process, but the results are truly amazing? I’ll walk you through every step!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Set aside. Parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, milk. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough. You want everything just combined.
Step 2: Roll the meatballs
How do you roll meatballs? I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size. I usually get about 20-30 meatballs from this recipe.
Step 3: Simmer in tomato sauce
In a Dutch oven, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Pour the sauce into the pot. Bring to the boil. Serve immediately. Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, making sure they are submerged.
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Step 4: Simmer
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer they simmer, the more tender and flavorful they will become. I always do this part for about 45 minutes!
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Easy Classic Italian Meatballs over pasta with extra tomato sauce and a side of fresh fruit. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. And don’t forget crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
What should I serve it with?
What are some easy Italian meatball recipes? What are some of my favorite ways to serve them: by serving them.
- Over Spaghetti:What is the classic choice? What’s your favorite pasta dish? And don’t forget to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese.
- Meatball Subs:What are some good meatballs to top with mozzarella cheese? Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Appetizer:Serve meatballs on a platter with toothpicks as an appetizer. What are some of the best dipping sauces?
- Pizza Topping:What are some good ways to serve meatballs over a pizza crust?
- Polenta: Instead of pasta, serve these meatballs with creamy polenta, it’s a great comfort food combination.
My family always requests these meatballs for Sunday dinner. Can you serve them with spaghetti, a big green salad, garlic bread? What is a simple, satisfying meal that everyone loves? I was trying to come up with something to eat with my family, and all I had was rice. I can’t remember why. I ended up crumbling some meatballs with rice and my little one absolutely loved it!
What are some tips for perfecting your Italian Meatballs?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making these Easy Classic Italian Meatballs absolutely delicious. What are some of my top tips?
- Don’t Overmix: This is the most important tip! Overmixing the meat will result in tough, dry meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering the meatballs in tomato sauce allows them to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors. Boiling them can make them tough.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and garlic make a big difference in the flavor of these meatballs.
- Breadcrumb Tips: If you don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
- Cheese Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
- Add a touch of sweetness: Like I mentioned earlier, add a pinch of brown sugar to the tomato sauce for a sweeter taste.
I remember the first time I made these, I overmixed the meat and the meatballs were so tough! I learned my lesson the hard way. Now, I’m super gentle when mixing the ingredients, and my meatballs are always tender and juicy. Trust me on this one: don’t overmix!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Easy Classic Italian Meatballs are great for making ahead of time. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Room Temperature: Do not leave cooked meatballs at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
- Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the meatballs, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving during storage.
I often make a double batch of these meatballs and freeze half for later. It’s such a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook. I just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my go-to Easy Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe. These are truly the best meatballs, and I hope you love them as much as my family does. They’re perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a fancy dinner party. If you’re looking for other Italian-inspired recipes, be sure to check out my lasagna recipe or my garlic bread recipe. They’re both family favorites! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and how it tasted!
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Easy Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs preferably Italian seasoned
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 24 ounces tomato sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, milk, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs, lower heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
