Traditional Italian Meatballs

Name: Traditional Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup milk; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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Traditional Italian Meatballs are a staple in many households, cherished for their comforting flavor and versatility. This recipe brings together classic ingredients to create meatballs that are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients for Traditional Italian Meatballs

Ground beef and ground pork are the stars here, providing a hearty base and a mix of rich, savory flavors. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together and keep the meatballs tender, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty kick. A hint of garlic elevates the overall aroma, and fresh parsley introduces a refreshing herbal note. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape, with salt and black pepper balancing the flavors. A splash of milk keeps the mixture moist and juicy. Finally, tomato sauce provides a rich, tangy base for simmering, soaking into the meatballs as they cook.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
If you prefer a smoother texture, use a food processor to finely chop the garlic and parsley before adding them to the mix.
To ensure even cooking, make sure the meatballs are uniform in size.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over spaghetti for a traditional meal, or try them in a sub sandwich with melted mozzarella. They also make a great appetizer when served with toothpicks and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these meatballs?: Yes, you can freeze them either raw or cooked. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Can I use just one type of meat?: Absolutely! You can use all beef or all pork if you prefer, but the combination of both adds a richer flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?: Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh offers a brighter flavor. Use about half the amount if using dried.

Traditional Italian Meatballs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by taking a large bowl and combining the ground beef and pork. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and milk. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix everything together until you have a uniform mixture. You’re aiming for a consistency that's firm enough to hold its shape but not too dry.

Next, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should give you roughly 20 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet to keep things organized and make clean-up easier.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides.

Once browned, pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs. Lower the heat and let them simmer gently for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally, but be gentle to avoid breaking the meatballs. This simmering step is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to follow and quick to prepare, even on a busy weeknight.
Authentic taste with a perfect balance of herbs and spices.
Adaptable — pair with pasta, serve as an appetizer, or enjoy in a sandwich.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup milk

2 cups tomato sauce

1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, and milk.

2. Mix ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

5. Add meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

6. Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, occasionally stirring gently.

7. Serve hot with your choice of pasta or as a hearty appetizer.

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