How to Cook Irresistible Italian Meatballs: Bake, Simmer, Enjoy!
Italian meatballs are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any table. This recipe combines juicy ground beef and pork, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, resulting in meatballs that are both tender and packed with flavor. Whether served over a bed of spaghetti, nestled in a crusty sub, or enjoyed on their own with marinara sauce, these meatballs are sure to delight your taste buds. Join me in creating this beloved classic that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply indulging in a delicious meal at home!
Authentic Italian Meatballs
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Marinara Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and basil. Stir well and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve your Italian meatballs over spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or on their own, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese.
