Description
These Classic Italian Meatballs are juicy, tender, and packed with authentic flavors. Made with a blend of ground beef, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs, these homemade meatballs are simmered in a rich marinara sauce for a truly comforting dish. Perfect for serving over pasta, in subs, or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a tray.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes.
- Make the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Serve over pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a tray.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes.
- Make the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Serve over pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, use a mix of beef and turkey.
- Add a bit of ricotta cheese to the meat mixture for extra softness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Baking
- Cuisine: Italian