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Italian Meatballs

Italian Meatballs
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This easy Italian Meatballs recipe features tender, juicy meatballs seasoned with classic Italian herbs and fresh ingredients. Perfect as a comforting dinner served over pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own, these meatballs blend ground beef and pork with Parmesan, parsley, and aromatics for a rich and flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and freezer friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free crumbs/oats for gluten-free version)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (optional, for simmering or serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef and pork with bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely diced onion, egg, milk, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Mix lightly by hand or spoon until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet or plate to keep organized.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without overcrowding. Cook 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crusty to lock in flavor.
  4. Simmer in Sauce: Transfer browned meatballs to a pot of warm marinara sauce and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, or bake in the oven covered with sauce at 400°F for the same duration to keep moist and infuse tomato flavor.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over spaghetti, with crusty bread, or in a sandwich topped with melted mozzarella for a classic comforting meal.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat to ensure tender, juicy meatballs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to cook meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and perfect doneness.
  • Rest the meatball mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before shaping to improve texture and binding.
  • Brown meatballs evenly by rotating to get a consistent golden crust on all sides.
  • Simmering meatballs in sauce enhances the flavor and keeps them moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatballs, easy meatballs, meatballs recipe, gluten free meatballs, family dinner, homemade meatballs

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/italian-meatballs/