Name: Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 0.5 pound ground pork; 0.75 cup breadcrumbs 2 eggs; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3 cloves garlic, minced; 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce

Few dishes bring comfort like a heaping plate of spaghetti topped with tender, juicy Italian meatballs. With their savory blend of herbs, garlic, and perfectly seasoned beef, these meatballs are the definition of hearty, homestyle cooking. This recipe delivers that classic taste you crave, simmered in a rich tomato sauce and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these Italian meatballs will quickly become a go-to favorite. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and taste even better the next day. Pair them with pasta, stuff them into hoagies, or enjoy them on their own with a side salad.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatballs Recipe

Classic Flavor: Made with garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Moist and Juicy: Breadcrumbs and eggs keep them tender.
Versatile: Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or appetizers.
Freezer-Friendly: Double the batch and save some for later.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Italian Meatballs?

A mix of ground beef and ground pork works beautifully to give your meatballs a juicy, flavorful texture. If you want leaner meatballs, you can go with all ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind they’ll be a little drier unless you add extra moisture (like grated onion or a splash of milk).

Ingredients for the Italian Meatballs

Let’s take a look at what makes these Italian meatballs so irresistible:

Ground Beef: The base of your meatballs. Opt for 80/20 for juicy results.
Ground Pork: Adds extra fat and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and keep it moist.
Eggs: Essential for holding everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings that salty, nutty richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite with Italian soul.
Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness.
Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and more.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the mix perfectly.
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs before simmering.
Crushed Tomatoes or Marinara Sauce: Simmer the meatballs in a flavorful bath.

How To Make the Italian Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined.

Step 2: Roll the Meatballs

Form the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Don’t pack them too tightly or they’ll end up dense.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives a lovely crust.

Step 4: Simmer in Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs to a pot with your crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and tender.

Serving and Storing These Meatballs

This recipe makes about 18-20 meatballs, enough to feed 6 people generously. Serve them over spaghetti, in subs, or as a main dish with garlic bread and salad.

To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.