Italian Meatballs: Tender Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

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A plate of Italian meatballs simmering in rich marinara sauce is pure comfort food. These tender, juicy meatballs are packed with flavor and perfect over spaghetti or served on a toasted sub roll. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, these meatballs deliver every time.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home. A few pantry staples, quality ground meat, and some hands-on mixing will give you mouthwatering meatballs that rival your favorite Italian restaurant. The key is the perfect blend of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese to keep them moist and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatballs Recipe

These Italian meatballs are:

• Tender, moist, and full of flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep
• Great as a main dish, in subs, or even as party appetizers
• Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Italian Meatballs?

You can use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs. The fat content in pork adds tenderness while beef brings a hearty depth. If you prefer leaner options, ground turkey or chicken also work, but keep in mind they may be slightly drier without the added fat. Using fresh garlic, onion, and herbs helps balance and enhance the flavor no matter which meat you choose.

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Ingredients for the Italian Meatballs

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose to create perfectly balanced flavor and texture:

• Ground beef: Provides a hearty and rich flavor base.
• Ground pork: Adds fat and tenderness, making the meatballs extra juicy.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs soft and moist.
• Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs, ensuring the meatballs don’t dry out.
• Eggs: Essential for binding everything together.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for bold flavor.
• Onion: Finely grated or minced to blend smoothly into the mixture.
• Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and a touch of freshness.
• Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings to bring everything together.
• Italian seasoning: A convenient way to add a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Olive oil: For browning the meatballs before simmering.
• Marinara sauce: The rich, tomato-based sauce for simmering the meatballs to perfection.

How To Make the Italian Meatballs

Step 1: Soften the Breadcrumbs

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs are softened. This is key for tender meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Add the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides. This adds flavor and helps them hold their shape.

Step 5: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs into a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked through. The sauce infuses the meatballs with extra flavor as they finish cooking.

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How to Serve and Store These Italian Meatballs

These Italian meatballs are incredibly versatile and satisfying. Serve them straight from the pot over a bed of spaghetti, tucked into a hoagie roll with extra marinara, or even on their own with a side of garlic bread. This recipe yields enough to feed about 6 people, making it great for family dinners or entertaining.

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely. Transfer them along with the sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Italian Meatballs?

Spaghetti

Classic and beloved, spaghetti is the perfect base for these saucy meatballs.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up that delicious marinara sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatballs.

Roasted Vegetables

Serve alongside roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for a balanced meal.

Polenta

Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce.

Mashed Potatoes

A cozy, comfort food twist that works surprisingly well.

Sauteed Greens

Sauteed spinach or kale adds a healthy and flavorful side.

Antipasto Platter

Great for entertaining, an antipasto board rounds out the Italian theme with cured meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Absolutely. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through. You can then transfer them into marinara sauce to simmer.

What’s the best way to freeze Italian meatballs?

Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the sauce separately or together, depending on how you plan to reheat.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use the correct ratio of meat to breadcrumbs and eggs for proper binding. Avoid overmixing the ingredients and be gentle when shaping the meatballs.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. You can also fully cook them and reheat when needed.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner ideas board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with beef and pork or try turkey? Did you bake or fry them? I love seeing your kitchen creations. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and tastier meals.

Find more easy recipes and dinner ideas on my Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest.

Conclusion

Italian meatballs are a timeless classic that brings everyone to the table. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and impressive. Whether served with pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own, they make any meal feel special. Don’t forget to double the batch—these are perfect for freezing and enjoying later!

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