Juicy Homemade Meatballs (Classic Italian-Style Recipe)

These Homemade Meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor — made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. Perfect for pasta, subs, or appetizers!

Homemade Meatballs: A Family Favorite

Few dishes bring people together like a big plate of homemade meatballs. Whether served with spaghetti, piled onto a sandwich, or simmered in marinara sauce, these juicy bites of comfort never disappoint.

This recipe blends ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs to create tender meatballs with a golden crust and rich, savory flavor. They’re quick to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday feasts.

Recipe Card

Servings: 6 (about 18 meatballs)

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying or baking)

Instructions

1. Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — don’t overmix.

2. Shape: Roll into 1 ½-inch balls and place on a plate or baking sheet.

3. Cook:

   • To Fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.

   • To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. Serve: Add to your favorite marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

• Combine beef and pork for richer flavor and tenderness.

• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing — it keeps the meatballs moist.

• Don’t overmix — gentle mixing gives a tender texture.

• Make ahead and freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

• Serve with spaghetti, on a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Meatballs are classic, comforting, and full of flavor — the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket.

They’re simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests. Pair them with pasta, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete, hearty meal.

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