Italian Meatballs

Name: Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg; 1 can (28 oz) whole San Marzano tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: December 11, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Italian Meatballs

This incredible Italian Meatballs transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Italian Meatballs:

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture in your meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to add extra flavor without any effort on your part.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor that elevates your meatballs to new heights.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish and offers a pop of color that makes it visually appealing.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold everything together, ensuring your meatballs don’t fall apart.

For the Sauce:

Canned Whole Tomatoes: Choose San Marzano tomatoes for their sweet flavor; they’re the gold standard for sauce!
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves lend an aromatic touch – don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Italian Meatballs:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use nonstick spray to ensure those beauties don’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and eggs. Season generously with salt and pepper. Get in there with your hands and mix until just combined – no one likes overworked meatballs!

Step 3: Shape Those Meatballs

Using your hands or an ice cream scoop (for precision), shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake ‘Em Up

Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. The kitchen will smell amazing during this time – try not to eat them straight off the tray!

Step 5: Make Your Sauce

While those meatballs are baking away happily, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about a minute). Pour in those luscious canned whole tomatoes! Crush them gently with a spoon while simmering for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once your meatballs are baked to perfection, add them directly into the simmering sauce. Let them soak up all that flavorful goodness for another five minutes. Transfer to plates or hoagie rolls if you’re feeling adventurous! Drizzle with more Parmesan cheese if desired!

These Italian Meatballs are not just food; they’re an experience waiting to happen! So grab some crusty bread and dig in because once you take that first bite, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy!

You Must Know About Italian Meatballs

This showstopping Italian Meatballs delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by mixing your ground meat with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then form the meatballs. Sear them in a hot pan until browned, followed by simmering in your favorite sauce for maximum flavor. While the meatballs cook, prepare your pasta for a perfect pairing.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out the beef for turkey or chicken for lighter options. Add grated Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture or toss in some chopped spinach for added nutrition. Experiment with spices like crushed red pepper or oregano to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Italian Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, place them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of sauce until warmed through, preserving their deliciousness.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Italian Meatballs

This professional-quality Italian Meatballs relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing these Italian Meatballs with friends at a potluck turned into my proudest cooking moment when they went back for thirds—who knew my kitchen could be a hit?

FAQs

What are Italian Meatballs?

Italian meatballs are a traditional dish made from ground meat, typically beef or pork, combined with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. They are often simmered in marinara sauce and served with pasta or as a standalone dish. The combination of flavors and textures in these meatballs makes them a beloved comfort food in Italian cuisine. Many families have their own unique recipes that they pass down through generations, adding personal touches to this classic dish.

How do you serve Italian Meatballs?

You can serve Italian meatballs in various ways. One popular method is to place them over spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic pasta dish. Alternatively, you can enjoy them in a sub sandwich topped with melted cheese or on their own as an appetizer. Garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese enhances the presentation and flavors of the dish, making it even more appetizing.

What ingredients are needed for Italian Meatballs?

To make delicious Italian meatballs, you will need ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix), breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Additionally, using grated Parmesan cheese adds richness to the flavor. Some recipes may include milk or ricotta cheese for moisture and tenderness. These simple yet flavorful ingredients create mouthwatering meatballs that everyone will love.

Can I freeze Italian Meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze Italian meatballs for later use. After cooking them, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or simmer them in sauce until heated through. This makes meal prep easy and convenient for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Italian meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that many people enjoy around the world. With simple ingredients and various serving options, they fit perfectly into any meal plan. Whether served over pasta or as an appetizer, these meatballs bring warmth and comfort to your dining experience. Try making your own version of Italian meatballs at home for a delightful taste of Italy!

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📖 Recipe Card