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Excellent homemade meatballs served in marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, perfect for pasta or appetizer dishes.

Excellent Meatballs Recipe – Easy Italian Dinner Idea

This excellent meatballs recipe is a timeless Italian classic. Juicy ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and Parmesan is simmered in marinara sauce for a flavorful dish. Perfect for serving with pasta, as appetizers, or in subs for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Global Comfort Food, Italian-American
Servings 8 people (makes about 24 meatballs).
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet (or skillet)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Scoop or spoon for shaping

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ lb ground veal or turkey (optional for blend)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or 2 slices milk-soaked bread
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
  • Marinara sauce (optional, for simmering)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare mixture: In a large bowl, combine meats, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Shape meatballs: Use a scoop or spoon to form evenly sized balls (about 1½ inches). Roll lightly with damp hands.
  • Choose cooking method:
    Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in skillet. Fry meatballs until browned on all sides, 8–10 minutes.
    Bake: Place on greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
    Simmer: Brown meatballs lightly, then simmer in marinara sauce for 20 minutes.
  • Check doneness: Meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C) internally.
  • Rest & serve: Let meatballs rest 5 minutes before serving. Pair with pasta, subs, or enjoy solo with dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Meat blend: Combining beef, pork, and veal creates depth of flavor.
  • Binder tip: Milk-soaked bread keeps meatballs tender and moist.
  • Seasoning: Adjust herbs and spices to taste; basil or chili flakes add variety.
  • Cooking method: Pan-frying gives crispness, baking is healthier, simmering adds sauce flavor.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
  • Serving suggestion: Garnish with Parmesan and parsley for presentation.
Keyword Comfort Food, excellent meatballs, family dinner,, Italian meatballs, juicy meatballs recipe