Description
Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, these Best Homemade Italian Meatballs are your next favorite comfort food. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these easy meatballs come together fast with pantry staples and deliver bold Italian taste in every bite. Great for a quick dinner, hearty meal prep, or even appetizers at your next gathering. Ideal for dinner ideas, easy recipe fans, and anyone who loves homemade food ideas that feel gourmet without the stress.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
0.5 cup milk
2 large eggs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1.25 teaspoons salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
2. Add ground beef, ground pork, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.
5. (Optional) Simmer the browned meatballs in marinara sauce for 20–30 minutes for extra tenderness and flavor.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest texture.
Do not overmix the meat mixture—just enough to bring everything together.
These freeze beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: easy meatballs, Italian meatballs, family dinner, comfort food, dinner ideas