Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe

Classic Italian Meatballs – This Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe. Is a go-to for a quick, delicious. And authentic Italian meal. Tender meatballs made with a blend of Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Combined with savory garlic and onion. Make this dish irresistible. Perfect for dinner, lunch, or meal prep. These meatballs are ready. In just 30 minutes.

this Recipe

The first time I made these Italian meatballs. It was a cozy Sunday afternoon. My husband and child. Were lounging in the living room. The scent of garlic and Parmesan. Slowly filling the house. When I brought out the meatballs. Simmered in marinara sauce. I could see the joy. On their faces. My husband took a bite. And immediately declared it a new family favorite. Since then, it’s become a regular in our home. Especially on those busy weekdays. When we crave something comforting yet quick.

What makes this Classic Italian Meatballs truly stand out?

These meatballs stand out. For their simplicity. And authentic flavor. The blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs. Gives them a rich, savory taste. While the fresh parsley. Adds a burst of freshness. Baked to perfection. They are juicy on the inside. With a slight crisp on the outside. Plus, they are versatile. Perfect in pasta, and sandwiches. Or on their own with a side of marinara.

What You Need To Make This Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe?

Italian Bread Crumbs: These add a wonderful flavor. And help bind the meatballs together. If you have leftover stale Italian bread. You can make your own breadcrumbs. By toasting and grinding them.

Milk: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk. Keeps the meatballs moist. And tender. It’s the secret. To avoiding dry, tough meatballs.

Ground Beef: Use a mix of ground beef. Or substitute with pork, chicken, or turkey. Each brings its own unique flavor. To the meatballs.

Onion: Finely diced or grated onion. Melts into the meatballs. Adding sweetness and moisture. Grating the onion. Ensures it’s evenly distributed.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic. Gives the meatballs a bold, authentic Italian flavor. Don’t skip this one!

Egg: Acts as a binder. Holding the meatballs together. One egg is enough to do the job. Without making them too dense.

Parmesan Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal. Adding a rich, savory taste. Freshly grated is always best. For flavor and texture.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness. And color. If you’re in a pinch. Dried parsley works too. But fresh is always preferred.

Steps To Make Classic Italian Meatballs:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven. To 400°F (200°C). And line a baking sheet. With parchment paper. Or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl. Combine the Italian bread crumbs. And milk. Stir them together. And let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes. While you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients: To the breadcrumb mixture. Add the ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Use your hands. To gently mix everything. Until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. As this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4: Form the Meatballs: Using a cookie or ice cream scoop. Portion out the mixture. Onto the prepared baking sheet. Wet your hands with water. To prevent sticking. And roll each portion. Into a ball about 2 inches in diameter.

Step 5: Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven. And bake for 18-20 minutes. Or until the meatballs. Reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven. Drain off any excess fat. And serve with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!

Tip:

For perfectly tender meatballs. Be gentle when mixing. And shaping them. Overmixing the ingredients. Can make the meatballs tough. Also, consider browning the meatballs in a skillet. Before baking them. This extra step caramelizes the outside. Locking in flavor. And giving the meatballs. A beautiful, appetizing crust. If you’re making a big batch. You can freeze the meatballs after baking. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing. And they’ll be ready to reheat. Whenever you need a quick, homemade meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes! After baking, let the meatballs cool completely. Then place them on a baking sheet. To freeze individually. Before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.

What can I substitute for Italian breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs. You can use plain breadcrumbs. And add Italian seasoning. To mimic the flavor.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or turkey work well in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times. As leaner meats can cook faster.

4.88 from 8 votes

Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

This Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe. Brings the flavors of Italy. Straight to your kitchen. Juicy and tender. These meatballs are made. With ground beef, and Parmesan cheese. And a blend of fresh herbs. The secret to their incredible texture. Is soaking the breadcrumbs in milk. Ensuring each bite. Is perfectly moist. Whether you're serving them with pasta. In a sub, or as an appetizer. These meatballs are sure. To impress your family. And friends. With just 30 minutes of your time. You can enjoy a meal. That’s both comforting. And delicious.

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Ingredients

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• ▢ 1/2 c seasoned breadcrumbs
• ▢ 2/3 c milk of your choice
• ▢ 1 lb. ground beef or preferred meat
• ▢ 1/4 medium onion finely chopped or grated
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 large egg lightly beaten
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt or adjust to taste
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano
• ▢ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). And prepare a baking sheet. By lining it with parchment paper. Or a baking mat.
2. In a large bowl. Mix the Italian bread crumbs. And milk together. Allowing them to soak. While you prepare the other ingredients. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
3. To the breadcrumb mixture. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Gently combine the ingredients by hand. Being careful not to overmix.
4. Using a cookie or ice cream scoop. Portion the mixture. Onto the prepared baking sheet. Wet your hands with water. And roll the portions. Into 2-inch meatballs.
5. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes. Or until they reach. An internal temperature of 165˚F (74°C). Once done, remove from the oven. And drain any excess fat. Serve with your favorite sauce. And enjoy!

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free. Simply swap out the Italian breadcrumbs. With a gluten-free variety. Or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that your Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free. As some pre-grated varieties. May contain gluten. As an anti-caking agent. With these simple adjustments. You can enjoy the same great taste. Without the gluten. Making it suitable. For everyone at your table.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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