These homemade meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce that makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a comforting weeknight dinner or hosting a cozy weekend get-together, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Made with a blend of ground beef, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, each bite delivers classic Italian comfort. Serve them over pasta, tuck them into a sub roll, or enjoy them just as they are with a side of garlic bread. However you serve them, these meatballs are bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Meatballs Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, thanks to a combination of simple ingredients and careful cooking techniques. The meatballs are browned to lock in flavor, then simmered gently in tomato sauce until perfectly cooked through. The sauce becomes infused with the rich taste of the meat, making it ideal for spooning over noodles or soaking into crusty bread.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or prepping meals ahead, this recipe is an easy win. Plus, it freezes well, making it great for batch cooking.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Homemade Meatballs?

The best meat for meatballs is a mix of ground beef with a bit of fat—typically 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio—which ensures juicy results. You can also combine ground beef with ground pork or veal for added richness and flavor depth. Avoid using meat that’s too lean, or your meatballs might turn out dry.

Ingredients for the Homemade Meatballs

Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to bring out the best texture and flavor. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

Ground beef (80/20) – This blend provides the ideal fat content for juicy, tender meatballs.
Breadcrumbs – They act as a binder and help keep the meatballs moist.
Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together so the meatballs hold their shape.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and depth.
Garlic – Brings a strong, savory base note to the mix.
Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of freshness that cuts through the richness of the meat.
Milk – Soaks into the breadcrumbs, giving moisture and tenderness.
Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Olive oil – Used for browning the meatballs, adding extra flavor.
Tomato sauce – The rich base the meatballs simmer in, absorbing flavor and moisture as they cook.

How To Make the Homemade Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined—don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a tray or plate as you go.

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, about 5–7 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.

Step 4: Simmer in Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs to a pot of simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook gently for 25–30 minutes, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, garnish with more fresh parsley or grated Parmesan and serve however you like—over pasta, in subs, or on their own.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Meatballs

These homemade meatballs are as versatile as they are delicious. This recipe yields about 20 meatballs and serves 4 to 6 people, depending on how you dish them out. Serve them hot right out of the pot for maximum comfort.

To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully—place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What to Serve With Homemade Meatballs?

Spaghetti or Any Long Pasta

A classic pairing! The meatballs and sauce coat the strands perfectly, making for a comforting, hearty meal.

Mashed Potatoes

Soft and creamy mashed potatoes create a delicious base for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.

Crusty Garlic Bread

Nothing beats sopping up extra sauce with warm, garlicky bread straight from the oven.

Roasted Vegetables

Try a tray of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for a healthy and colorful side.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.

Polenta

Creamy or grilled polenta pairs beautifully with the saucy meatballs.

Rice Pilaf

For a comforting twist, serve the meatballs over a fluffy bed of seasoned rice pilaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?

Absolutely. While homemade breadcrumbs can add more texture, store-bought work just fine. Opt for unseasoned ones so you can control the flavors.

What’s the best way to freeze homemade meatballs?

Allow the cooked meatballs to cool, then transfer them with the sauce into a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make these meatballs without eggs?

Yes, you can use alternatives like mashed potatoes, ricotta cheese, or a flaxseed egg as a binder. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, cut one open to check that the inside is no longer pink.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try mixing in pork or using all beef? Did you add chili flakes for heat?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more easy recipes and comforting food ideas, visit my Pinterest page: Meals We Share By Sally.

Conclusion

Homemade meatballs are a true comfort classic. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little love, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or stocking your freezer, this is one recipe that always delivers on flavor. Try it once, and it just might become part of your regular rotation.

Homemade Meatballs

Author: Sally Roberts
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving something hearty and comforting? These Homemade Meatballs are your go-to easy dinner solution. Juicy, flavorful, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they’re perfect for quick dinners, cozy weekends, or batch-cooked meal prep. Whether you’re looking for weeknight food ideas, healthy comfort food, or simply a no-fail, easy recipe, this classic delivers big flavor in every bite.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

2. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside on a tray.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary.

4. Transfer the browned meatballs to a simmering pot of tomato sauce. Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until fully cooked.

5. Garnish with parsley or more Parmesan and serve hot over pasta, in subs, or alone.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor—don’t skip it!

These freeze great with or without the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approx. 4 meatballs
Calories: 360
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: homemade meatballs, easy dinner, family meals, comfort food, meatball recipe