Homemade Meatballs Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort food for your dinner table? This Homemade Meatballs Recipe is everything you want in a classic meatball—juicy, flavorful, and tender, with the savory combination of ground beef and pork, aromatic herbs, and a dusting of Parmesan. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, tucking them into a sub, or nibbling them as an appetizer, these meatballs make any meal more special. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring a beloved Italian-American staple into your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient earns its place with a unique role in shaping flavor, moisture, or that golden-brown finish. Here’s what makes this Homemade Meatballs Recipe sing:
- Ground Beef: The foundation for classic meaty richness and hearty texture.
- Ground Pork: Adds juiciness and depth, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs light and delicate—try soaking them in milk for extra tenderness!
- Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty boost that melds perfectly with beef and pork.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the whole dish with its fresh, green flavor.
- Garlic: For irresistible aromatics—don’t be shy here!
- Small Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture, finely grated so it melts right in.
- Large Egg: The “glue” that holds everything together.
- Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and ensures a tender bite every time.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right bit of warmth and kick.
- Dried Oregano: Lends the signature Italian flair you expect in a Homemade Meatballs Recipe.
- Dried Basil: Sweet and aromatic, basil rounds out the herb profile beautifully.
- Olive Oil: For perfectly golden, crisped-up outsides—use a good olive oil if you can!
How to Make Homemade Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl—the bigger, the better! Add in your ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, grated onion, lightly beaten egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. The key is to mix gently with your hands until just combined, so everything stays airy and light. The less you work the mix, the more tender your meatballs will be.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Once blended, scoop up a portion of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form 1 1/2-inch balls. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly (aim for about 20). Place each meatball on a plate or tray, ready for a quick stovetop sear.
Step 3: Brown in the Skillet
Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium. Arrange the meatballs in batches, giving them enough room so they sear rather than steam. Turn them occasionally, browning on all sides for that irresistible crust—this usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Patience is your friend here; it’s worth it for that gorgeous color and flavor.
Step 4: Oven Finish for Juicy Meatballs
Move the browned meatballs onto a baking sheet and slide them into a 375°F oven. Roast for 10–12 minutes, letting the heat cook them through gently while keeping them juicy inside. If you’d like to skip the stovetop, you can go oven-only at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Savor!
Now comes the best part—enjoying your Homemade Meatballs Recipe however you please! Serve them hot from the oven with a swirl of marinara, nestle them into rolls, or pop one straight from the tray for a little cook’s treat.
How to Serve Homemade Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your meatballs with a scatter of freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of extra Parmesan, and maybe a drizzle of good olive oil or even a few red pepper flakes for heat. These finishing touches don’t just add color—they layer in extra flavor that takes your Homemade Meatballs Recipe to restaurant-worthy heights.
Side Dishes
Classic spaghetti and warm, crusty garlic bread are always winning partners. You could also try buttery polenta, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables alongside your Homemade Meatballs Recipe for a wholesome and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the pasta bowl! Tuck the meatballs into sub rolls for hearty sandwiches, nestle them in a slow-cooked tomato sauce for appetizer-sized skewers, or even slice them onto pizza for a fun twist. Leftovers make a killer topping for baked potatoes or a midday snack on their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover meatballs completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This Homemade Meatballs Recipe is just as delicious the next day—some say even better, as the flavors mingle and deepen overnight.
Freezing
Lay cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months—perfect for a quick dinner or an unexpected craving for your Homemade Meatballs Recipe.
Reheating
Gently warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of sauce, cover and simmer until heated through. You can also microwave in short bursts or reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 350°F until piping hot. Either way, they stay moist and delicious!
FAQs
Can I use all beef instead of beef and pork?
Absolutely! While the pork adds extra richness and tenderness, using all beef still yields a fantastic Homemade Meatballs Recipe. You might find the meatballs slightly less juicy, but still wonderfully flavorful.
What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Both plain and Italian-style dried breadcrumbs work well. To keep things classic, stick to plain and let your herbs and cheese provide flavor. If you want even more moisture, try soaking fresh breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes before combining.
How do I prevent tough meatballs?
Be gentle with your mixing! Overworking the meat mixture makes for dense meatballs. Combine until everything’s just incorporated, then shape as lightly as possible for a tender Homemade Meatballs Recipe.
Can I bake the meatballs entirely in the oven?
Yes, you can! Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes. You won’t get the same golden crust as browning first, but it’s a great, hands-off method for busy nights.
What sauces pair well with homemade meatballs?
Marinara is a forever favorite for the Homemade Meatballs Recipe, but you can also try creamy Alfredo, spicy arrabbiata, or even Swedish-style gravy. The meatballs are so versatile, they shine in almost any sauce!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a Homemade Meatballs Recipe that brings joy to every table and becomes an instant family classic. So round up those ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into comfort food at its best. I can’t wait for you to make and share these meatballs—you’ll want to keep this recipe close!
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Homemade Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (about 6 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These homemade meatballs are a classic combination of ground beef and pork mixed with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, cooked to perfection and served with your favorite sauce or pasta.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in a skillet, then finish cooking in the oven.
- Serve: Enjoy the meatballs with your preferred sauce or pasta.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in milk before adding.
- Leftover meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 3 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
