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Easy Italian Meatballs Recipe

Classic Italian meatballs that are tender, juicy, and full of fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect baked or fried for a comforting dinner.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes
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Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh bread crumbs 5.2 oz, or homemade
  • 0.75 cup whole milk add more if needed
  • 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (approx 2 tsp)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh oregano finely chopped
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese finely shredded
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, about 0.75 tsp salt if using jar sauce
  • 0.75 cup olive oil only if frying

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together bread crumbs and milk, adding more milk 1 Tbsp at a time to fully moisten the bread. Let rest at least 5 minutes.
  • Add ground beef, ground pork, eggs, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, oregano, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
  • Gently mix using your fingertips, breaking up the meat and combining ingredients evenly.
  • Shape mixture into 1 1/4-inch meatballs, about 38 grams each, using greased hands to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray or brush 2 baking sheets with non-stick spray or olive oil.
  • Arrange meatballs evenly on baking sheets, about 20 per sheet, spacing apart.
  • Bake meatballs on upper and lower racks for 10 minutes.
  • Flip meatballs gently, transfer pans to opposite racks, and bake another 8 to 12 minutes until meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
  • Optional: Stir meatballs into warmed marinara sauce and simmer on low 10 to 20 minutes, tossing gently occasionally to soften.
  • For stovetop frying, heat olive oil over medium in a 12-inch skillet. Cook meatballs in batches, 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  • Transfer fried meatballs into warm marinara sauce, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked, gently tossing occasionally.

Notes

These meatballs can be served with spaghetti, in subs, or on their own with dipping sauce. Using fresh herbs and properly moistening the bread crumbs ensures tenderness and flavor.