Italian Meatballs

Here’s a classic Italian Meatballs recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with pasta or serving as a main course:

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🍝 Classic Italian Meatballs

🧂 Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (or veal)

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or 3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

For the Sauce (Simple Tomato Sauce):

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Fresh basil (optional)

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.

2. Add ground meats, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

3. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.

4. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball).

2. Brown the Meatballs:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Brown the meatballs in batches (about 5–7 minutes), turning to get color on all sides.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

1. In the same pan, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.

2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.

4. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Combine & Simmer:

• Add browned meatballs to the sauce.

• Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over spaghetti with extra Parmesan

• Add to a hoagie roll for a meatball sub

• Top with mozzarella and broil for a baked version

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Would you like a version of this recipe that’s keto, gluten-free, or baked instead of fried?