Name: Delicious Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 3/4 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

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Italian Meatballs are a true comfort food staple that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. This recipe delivers the perfect mix of juicy ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it an irresistible dish for family dinners or cozy nights in. With simple steps, you can create these homemade meatballs recipe that are not only delicious but also freezer-friendly, ensuring you always have a comforting meal at hand.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatballs

These Italian meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, they are incredibly flavorful thanks to a blend of herbs and spices. Second, the combination of ground beef and pork creates a juicy texture that melts in your mouth. Third, this dish is incredibly versatile; you can serve it with spaghetti and meatballs, on a sub, or even on its own. Additionally, they are easy Italian meatballs for beginners, making them a perfect choice for novice cooks. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that rivals any restaurant’s traditional meatballs. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze!

Ingredients for Italian Meatballs

Gather these items:

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning

How to Make Italian Meatballs Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set them aside.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches on all sides.
Step 4: Remove meatballs and sauté the chopped onion in the same pan until soft.
Step 5: Add crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Return the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
Step 7: Serve hot over pasta, in sandwiches, or alone with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Meatballs

Keep these in mind:

These meatballs are freezer-friendly, making them great for meal prep.
They pair beautifully with pasta or crusty bread.
For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs and spices such as oregano or basil.
Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Cooking Italian meatballs in the oven is an alternative method for those who prefer less hands-on cooking.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Meatballs

There are numerous delicious ways to enjoy your Italian meatballs. A classic option is to serve them over spaghetti and meatballs, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Another idea is to place them in a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a hearty meatball sandwich. For a lighter choice, serve them alongside a fresh salad or on a platter as an appetizer.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Meatballs

To store your Italian meatballs, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warm. This makes them an ideal choice for meal prep, ensuring you have a comforting dish ready to go at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatballs

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Meatballs?

The key to perfect Italian meatballs lies in the balance of ingredients and not overmixing the meat. Ensuring the mixture is moist helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy while they cook.

Can I make Italian Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Italian meatballs can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the sauce before serving for the best flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Meatballs?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overmix the meat mixture. Additionally, make sure to brown them properly in the skillet for flavor before adding them to the sauce.

Variations of Italian Meatballs You Can Try

There are many meatball variations from Italy worth exploring. For a twist, try making baked Italian meatballs recipe for a healthier option. You can also make them with herbs and spices to give them a unique flavor profile. Another fun variation is to incorporate mozzarella cheese into the center for a gooey surprise with every bite. Each variation helps to keep the classic Italian meatballs exciting and new!

For more information on Italian cooking techniques, check out this Italian sausage tortellini soup recipe or explore Guinness gravy meatballs for a unique twist on traditional meatballs. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit last recipes for more delicious options.

Delicious Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

This Italian Meatballs recipe delivers the perfect mix of juicy ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set them aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches on all sides.
Remove meatballs and sauté the chopped onion in the same pan until soft.
Add crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Return the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
Serve hot over pasta, in sandwiches, or alone with Parmesan and fresh herbs.