Go Back

Ultimate Homemade Meatballs

Juicy, tender meatballs made with beef and pork, seasoned perfectly, browned for flavor, then simmered in rich marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko)
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 onion small, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for browning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato sauce

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Add soaked breadcrumbs to the meat mixture and gently combine until just mixed.
  4. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 24 meatballs).
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs 2–3 minutes per side.
  6. Add browned meatballs to a pot with marinara sauce and simmer covered for 20–25 minutes.
  7. Serve hot over pasta, in a sub roll, or with salad, garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

For extra tenderness, chill meatballs for 20 minutes before cooking. For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce.