Garlic Italian Meatballs for a Crowd

Treat your guests to a classic crowd-pleaser with these Garlic Italian Meatballs for a Crowd. Juicy and flavorful, this recipe combines the perfect blend of ground beef and pork with aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and a medley of Italian seasonings like oregano and basil. Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs lend a rich, cheesy texture, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a golden, crispy exterior. Baked to perfection and optionally simmered in marinara sauce, these meatballs are ideal for entertaining, whether served as an appetizer, over pasta, or tucked into a warm, crusty sandwich. With easy prep and enough to serve a dozen, this hearty dish is the ultimate make-ahead solution for family meals or festive gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Ground beef
• 1 pound Ground pork
• 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 3 large Eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 6 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 6 cups Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until just combined.

Step 3

Add minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.

Step 4

Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each meatball.

Step 5

Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs or brush each one lightly with oil to help them brown evenly in the oven.

Step 6

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should read 160°F/71°C). Rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.

Step 7

If serving with marinara sauce, warm the sauce in a large pot over medium heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite pasta, on rolls as meatball sandwiches, or on their own as a delicious appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3687.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6481.4

Total Fat 380.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 137.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 1659.3mg	0%
Sodium 14134.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 413.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.1g	0%
Total Sugars 125.0g
Protein 390.5g	0%

Vitamin D 176.7IU	0%
Calcium 2365.4mg	0%
Iron 56.5mg	0%
Potassium 8858.4mg	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: 51.6%

Protein: 23.5%

Carbs: 24.9%