Italian Meatballs Recipe

This Italian meatballs recipe offers tender, flavorful meatballs made with ground beef and aromatic seasonings. Baked instead of fried for convenience, these meatballs are perfect over pasta, in sandwiches, or served as appetizers. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this easy recipe will become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatballs Recipe

No-Fry Option: Baking the meatballs makes cleanup easy while keeping them flavorful.
Juicy and Tender: Ground beef combined with breadcrumbs and herbs ensures moist, delicious meatballs.
Versatile Serving Ideas: Enjoy them with pasta, sandwiches, or a side of polenta.

For a complete meal, pair these meatballs with Italian Tomato Sauce and Garlic Bread.

Ingredients for Italian Meatballs Recipe

⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
½ cup milk or beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 lbs ground beef
2 large eggs
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ bunch fresh parsley, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian herb seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Cooking spray

How to Make Italian Meatballs Recipe

1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

In a small bowl, soak bread crumbs in milk or beef broth for 20 minutes.

2. Cook the Onion

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10-15 minutes until very tender.

3. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, the breadcrumb mixture, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Mix gently until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors blend.

4. Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
Form the meat mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve with Tomato Sauce

Transfer the baked meatballs to Italian tomato sauce and let them simmer for 1-2 hours for the best flavor.

What to Serve with Italian Meatballs

Spaghetti or Pasta: Toss with Italian tomato sauce for a classic dish.
Garlic Bread: Enjoy with Homemade Garlic Bread for a complete Italian meal.
Polenta: Serve alongside creamy polenta for a hearty dinner.
Sub Sandwich: Make a delicious meatball sub by adding the meatballs to a baguette with mozzarella cheese.

Tips for the Best Italian Meatballs Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Gently mixing the ingredients keeps the meatballs tender.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds vibrant flavor to the meatballs.
Make-Ahead Option: These meatballs can be frozen before or after baking for up to 3 months.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Meatballs

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm the meatballs in tomato sauce on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 390
Total Fat: 31g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
Cholesterol: 91mg
Sodium: 617mg
Carbohydrates: 5g (Dietary Fiber: 1g)
Protein: 21g
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 349mg

More Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Italian Tomato Sauce: A must for your meatballs.
Garlic Bread Recipe: Perfect for dipping.
Cinnamon Belgian Waffles: A sweet treat to end your meal.

Final Thoughts on This Italian Meatballs Recipe

This Italian meatballs recipe offers juicy, flavorful meatballs that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside polenta, these baked meatballs will quickly become a family favorite.

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