Burgers & Patties

Italian Style Meatballs

Name: Italian Style Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork; 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (250g) crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Delia Sinclair · June 19, 2026 · Burgers & Patties

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

Italian Style Meatballs have always been a staple in my household, a dish that never fails to bring everyone together. I remember my grandmother making them for special occasions, the aroma of sizzling meatballs filling the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. Over the years, I've perfected her recipe, and now I'm excited to share it with you. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it's easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour.

The key to great Italian Style Meatballs is in the quality of the ingredients and the technique. You'll need to use fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a combination of ground beef and pork. The meatballs are then cooked in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs, which adds depth and complexity to the dish.

This recipe is not only delicious, but it's also budget-friendly and can be made in large quantities, perfect for feeding a crowd. You can serve the meatballs with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a topping for a salad. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure you'll find yourself making this recipe again and again.

So, let's get started! With this recipe, you'll learn how to make authentic Italian Style Meatballs that will become a staple in your household. The steps are easy to follow, and the result is well worth the effort. Your family and friends will love the flavors and textures of these homemade meatballs, and you'll be proud to serve them.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making Italian Style Meatballs from scratch. We'll cover the ingredients, equipment, and steps needed to create this delicious dish. I'll also provide you with expert tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour.
The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, which provides a rich and meaty taste.
The tomato sauce is flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs, which adds a depth of flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly.
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made in large quantities, perfect for feeding a crowd.
The meatballs can be served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a topping for a salad, making it a versatile dish.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this recipe lies in the combination of ingredients and the technique used to cook the meatballs. The use of fresh breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese adds texture and flavor to the meatballs, while the ground beef and pork provide a rich and meaty taste. The tomato sauce, flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs, adds a depth of flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly.

The key to cooking the meatballs is to brown them well on the outside, which creates a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. This is achieved by cooking the meatballs in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil, then finishing them in the oven. The result is a meatball that is cooked to perfection, with a nice balance of texture and flavor.

The tomato sauce is also an important component of this recipe. It's made with canned crushed tomatoes, which provides a rich and intense flavor. The sauce is flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs, which adds a depth of flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly. The sauce is simmered for a long time, which allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Italian Style Meatballs, you'll need a combination of ingredients that provide texture, flavor, and moisture. The key ingredients include ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and tomato sauce. You'll also need some pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, onions, and herbs.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality products. For the ground beef and pork, look for products that are labeled as '80/20' or '70/30', which means they contain 80% or 70% lean meat and 20% or 30% fat. This will provide the best flavor and texture for the meatballs.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for ground beef that is labeled as '80/20' or '70/30', which means it contains 80% or 70% lean meat and 20% or 30% fat. This will provide the best flavor and texture for the meatballs.
1/2 lb (225g) ground porkGround pork adds a rich and meaty flavor to the meatballs. Look for products that are labeled as '80/20' or '70/30'.
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbsFresh breadcrumbs are essential for this recipe. You can make your own breadcrumbs by blending stale bread in a food processor or buy them from a store.
1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the meatballs. Look for high-quality Parmesan cheese that is grated fresh.
2 eggsEggs provide moisture and richness to the meatballs. Make sure to use fresh eggs for the best results.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped onionOnion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the meatballs. Make sure to chop the onion finely so it cooks evenly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the meatballs. Make sure to mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly.
1 cup (250g) crushed tomatoesCrushed tomatoes provide a rich and intense flavor to the tomato sauce. Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes that are made from fresh tomatoes.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the meatballs. Make sure to chop the parsley finely so it distributes evenly.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil provides a rich and fruity flavor to the meatballs. Make sure to use high-quality olive oil for the best results.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper enhance the flavor of the meatballs. Make sure to use freshly ground black pepper for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeatball scoop or spoonBaking sheet lined with parchment paperLarge skillet with a heavy bottomInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatulaOven

How to Make Italian Style Meatballs

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients.
3
Use a meatball scoop or spoon to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each meatball.
5
Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat them evenly with the oil.
6
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
7
While the meatballs are baking, heat the crushed tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
8
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the skillet with the tomato sauce.
9
Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully coated in the sauce and heated through.
10
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
11
Let the meatballs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the meatballs to retain their texture.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, to get the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough.
Use a meatball scoop or spoon to form the meatballs, as this will help them to be uniform in size and shape.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
Let the meatballs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meatballs to retain their texture.
You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months.
To freeze the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.
To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the ingredients, which can make the meatballs dense and tough.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
Not letting the meatballs rest before serving, which can cause them to lose their texture and juices.
Not using the right type of breadcrumbs, which can affect the texture of the meatballs.
Not cooking the meatballs to the right temperature, which can affect their safety and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add other ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, to give the meatballs more flavor and texture.
You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, to give the meatballs a different flavor.
You can serve the meatballs with different types of sauce, such as marinara or alfredo, to give them a different flavor.
You can add some heat to the meatballs by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the meat mixture.
You can make the meatballs smaller or larger, depending on your preference.
You can use different types of meat, such as ground turkey or ground lamb, to give the meatballs a different flavor.
You can add some acidity to the meatballs by adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to the meat mixture.

What to Serve With Italian Style Meatballs

Italian Style Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them with pasta, such as spaghetti or ziti, and a simple tomato sauce. You can also serve them in a sub sandwich, with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. They can be served as a topping for a salad, or as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic.

Some other ideas for serving Italian Style Meatballs include serving them with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. You can also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini. They can be served as a main course, or as an appetizer or snack.

Serve with pasta and marinara sauceServe in a sub sandwich with melted mozzarella cheeseServe as a topping for a saladServe with a side of garlic breadServe with a side of roasted vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Italian Style Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months. To store them in the refrigerator, simply place them in a covered container and refrigerate them at 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them.

It's also important to note that the meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve them. This can be a great time-saver, especially if you're planning a large gathering or event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of breadcrumbs should I use for Italian Style Meatballs?

You should use fresh breadcrumbs for Italian Style Meatballs. You can make your own breadcrumbs by blending stale bread in a food processor or buy them from a store.

How do I know if the meatballs are cooked through?

You can check if the meatballs are cooked through by using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the meatballs should be at least 160°F (71°C).

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the meatballs?

You can reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them.

Can I use different types of meat for Italian Style Meatballs?

Yes, you can use different types of meat for Italian Style Meatballs, such as ground turkey or ground lamb. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the meatballs may be affected.

How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dense and tough?

To prevent the meatballs from becoming dense and tough, make sure not to overmix the ingredients and use the right type of breadcrumbs.

Can I add other ingredients to the meat mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, to give the meatballs more flavor and texture.

How do I serve Italian Style Meatballs?

Italian Style Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a topping for a salad.

The Full Recipe

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