A Taste of Italy in Every Bite, Classic, Juicy, and Flavorful
Italian Meatballs are a classic dish, packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or enjoyed on their own, these tender meatballs, seasoned with herbs, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, will transport you straight to Italy. Pair with marinara sauce for an authentic Italian meal.
These meatballs are perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even special occasions like Christmas or Italian-themed dinner parties. They’re also great for meal prepping and freezing for later.
How to Make From Scratch
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, fresh herbs, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball.
- Cook the Meatballs: You can bake or fry them until fully cooked and golden brown. Simmer in marinara sauce for extra flavor.
When to Flip
If frying, flip the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides. For baked meatballs, rotate the baking sheet once to allow for even heat distribution.
How to Reheat
Reheat Italian Meatballs in a skillet with sauce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Can You Save the Batter?
No batter in this recipe, but you can store the raw meatball mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can You Freeze?
Yes! Freeze the uncooked or cooked meatballs on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar marinara sauce (for serving)
- Olive oil (for frying, optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined but avoid over-mixing.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball (or larger, depending on your preference).
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Fry Method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Bake Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
- Simmer in Sauce: For an extra flavor boost, simmer the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for 10 minutes before serving.
Editor’s Note:
To make these meatballs healthier, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. You can also make a larger batch and freeze for future meals—just cook it as needed!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
