What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for any meal. You’ll love how easy it is to customize and enjoy with your favorite dishes.
Delicious and versatile – these meatballs can be paired with pasta, sandwiches, or even as a snack.
Quick to prepare – ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Family-approved – a crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.
Recipe
Homemade meatballs are a versatile and comforting dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or added to soups and pasta. This classic recipe yields tender, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring they are compact and evenly sized.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes:
For baked meatballs, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl, skillet, baking sheet (optional), parchment paper (optional).
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 20 minutes.
Cuisine:
Italian-American.
Serving:
Serves 4-6.
Nutrition
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving for these homemade meatballs:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade meatballs with classic pasta pairings, like spaghetti or fettuccine, but they’re just as tasty with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonders, and sometimes I even toast it for extra crunch. Whether you go for pasta or bread, you can’t go wrong—just pick what makes your taste buds happy!
Pasta Pairings
When you’re serving up homemade meatballs, pairing them with the right pasta can turn a good meal into a great one. I love classic spaghetti—its thin strands cradle the meatballs perfectly, especially with a rich tomato sauce. For something heartier, try rigatoni or penne; their ridges hold onto every bit of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, tagliatelle’s wide ribbons add a touch of elegance. And don’t forget stuffed pastas like tortellini—they make the meal extra special. Whatever you choose, just remember: the pasta should complement, not overpower, those delicious meatballs. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Bread Options
Though meatballs and pasta are a classic duo, don’t overlook the power of great bread to round out the meal. I love serving garlic bread—it’s buttery, garlicky, and perfect for soaking up leftover sauce. A crusty baguette, sliced and toasted, is another favorite of mine. For something heartier, try ciabatta or focaccia, which are soft on the inside with a satisfying crunch. Sometimes, I’ll make meatball sub sandwiches with a soft hoagie roll, melted cheese, and marinara. Even a simple slice of sourdough can elevate the meal. Bread adds that extra touch of comfort, making every bite unforgettable.
