Classic Italian Meatballs

Savor the authentic flavors of Italy with these Classic Italian Meatballs, a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Made with a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are infused with fresh garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of oregano for a richly seasoned bite. Soaked breadcrumbs ensure a tender texture, while a quick sear in olive oil delivers a golden, crispy exterior. Simmered to perfection in a hearty marinara sauce, these meatballs are versatile enough to pair with pasta, crusty bread, or enjoy as a hearty appetizer. Ready in under an hour, this easy Italian recipe is a surefire hit for family dinners or entertaining guests. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a delicious, restaurant-quality finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so that the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.

Step 2

Finely chop the garlic cloves and fresh parsley.

Step 3

Add the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4

Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture as it can result in dense meatballs.

Step 5

Shape the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 6

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 7

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. You may need to cook them in batches.

Step 8

Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with tongs or a spatula, for about 7-10 minutes.

Step 9

Once browned, transfer each meatball to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 10

In a large saucepan, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 11

Add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are covered, and let them cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Step 12

Serve the meatballs hot with your choice of pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1072.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2985.9

Total Fat 208.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 811.7mg	0%
Sodium 5415.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 87.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.8g	0%
Total Sugars 10.8g
Protein 192.2g	0%

Vitamin D 99.2IU	0%
Calcium 913.5mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 1254.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.7%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 11.6%