Italian Meatballs

This grandma’s Italian meatball recipe is the ultimate comfort food dish to share! This main dish is packed full of flavor and this is because there are a few special ingredients in the mix. This is why these meatballs are firm and moist. Believe me, this recipe is so delicious and surprisingly so easy to make!

If you’re looking for a side to eat with Italian meatballs, of course a classic pairing is spaghetti, so make sure to check our creamy garlic pasta recipe!

You’ll definitely love these tender and juicy meatballs! Try this meatball recipe for your next family dinner!

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Why I love Italian Meatballs

I love Italian meatballs because they’re tasty, versatile, and fun to make. 

What is the difference between Italian meatballs and regular meatballs?

Italian meatballs are different from regular meatballs because Italian meatballs contain seasonings to give them an Italian flavor, and regular meatballs don’t. Regular meatballs are usually made with just ground beef, while Italian ones are made with a combination of beef and pork, and the pork is usually sausage.

Is it better to fry or bake Italian meatballs?

It is better to bake them, as baking them seals in the flavors more thoroughly, without the need for additional oil. Therefore, Italian meatballs are healthier when baked, in most cases. 

Are meatballs better with breadcrumbs or bread?

While breadcrumbs are a popular and tasty addition to meatballs, bread is actually better, as it helps make your meatballs moister. However, this is a matter of personal opinion, as some cooks prefer using breadcrumbs. This Italian meatballs recipe calls for breadcrumbs, and the recipe turns out terrific if followed properly. 

How to serve Italian Meatballs?

You can serve Italian meatballs in a number of ways: mixed in with all types of pasta, in sub buns to make sandwiches, or as part of a salad. The sky is the limit when it comes to how to serve them, so be creative when deciding how to serve them. 

Italian Meatballs Cooking Tips:

• To allow the flavors to penetrate the meatballs and the breadcrumbs to soften, you might want to consider making them the night before you plan to cook them. 
• Also, be sure not to overcook them, as they will dry out and be undesirable. 

Variations of Italian Meatballs:

When you make a recipe, it is perfectly acceptable to make the recipe your own, so if you want to make some variations, whether due to dietary restrictions or personal preference, there shouldn’t be a problem. You can opt to use all dairy-free and gluten-free ingredients, you can put the meatballs in pasta sauce, or make any number of other changes and still end up with delicious homemade Italian meatballs. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Pork Sausages
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 2/3 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano Cheese (Grated)
• 2 Eggs
• 1/3 cup Parsley (Fresh)
• 1/3 cup Onion (Minced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• Milk (To moisten bread crumbs)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

How to make Italian Meatballs:

Step 1: Soak bread crumbs in milk for 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Combine in a large bowl the bread crumbs, ground beef, sausages, cheese, onion, garlic, eggs, Italian seasoning, parsley, worchestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix thoroughly but don’t over mix.

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Step 3: Form into 2-inch balls.

Step 4: Brown the balls in a large skillet on medium heat with a small amount of oil. You can also bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 375º F.

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Step 5: Serve it along with a creamy garlic pasta and enjoy!

Italian Meatballs

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Ingredients 

• 1 lb Pork Sausages
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 2/3 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano Cheese, Grated
• 2 Eggs
• 1/3 cup Parsley, Fresh
• 1/3 cup Onion, Minced
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• Milk, To moisten bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

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Instructions

• Soak bread crumbs in milk for 1-2 minutes.
• Combine in a large bowl the bread crumbs, ground beef, sausages, cheese, onion, garlic, eggs, Italian seasoning, parsley, worchestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Make sure to mix thoroughly but don’t over mix.
• Form into 2-inch balls.
• Brown the balls in a large skillet on medium heat with small amount of oil. You can also bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 375º F.
• Serve it along with a creamy garlic pasta and enjoy!

Author: Laura

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How to store Italian Meatballs?

It’s easy to store Italian meatballs in the fridge or freezer. All you need is a container with a tight seal, and you can enjoy your meatballs until they’re all gone. 

How to reheat Italian Meatballs?

Italian meatballs are one of those foods that is easy to reheat. You can reheat them in the oven at 350 F for about 15 minutes. Be sure to wrap them in foil so they won’t dry out, then they should come out hot and ready to enjoy. 

How long does Italian Meatballs last in the fridge?

In an airtight container, these homemade Italian meatballs can last for three or four days in the fridge. If you notice that it’s approaching three or four days, then you can freeze them for as long as three months. 

Can I make Italian Meatballs in advance?

If you’re unable to make this Italian meatballs recipe on the day you plan to serve them, then it is certainly acceptable for you to make them in advance. Not only are they easy to reheat, but they also retain their flavor and texture, so you don’t have to worry about losing flavor. 

Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:

Since you’re interested in meatball recipes, here are three additional possibilities that you might like:

Grandma’s Italian Meatballs – Grandma’s cooking always tastes better, and this recipe is no different. 

Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs – if you enjoy spicy foods, then you’ll absolutely love this recipe.

Meatball Boats – these open-face meatball sandwiches are to die for!