What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade meatball recipe is perfect for anyone who loves simple, comforting meals that are full of flavor. You’ll adore how easy it is to make, even on busy weeknights.
- The recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have, saving you a trip to the store.
- It’s versatile—serve it with pasta, in a sandwich, or even on its own as a tasty appetizer.
- The tender, juicy meatballs are packed with herbs and spices, making every bite irresistible.
Recipe
Meatballs are a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own. This homemade meatball recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until evenly combined but avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, using about 2 tablespoons of mixture for each.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- Remove from the skillet and serve as desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, you can brown the meatballs in the skillet and finish cooking them in your favorite sauce.
- Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb option.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine
Italian-American
Serving
Serves 4-6
Nutrition
This homemade meatball recipe is packed with protein and flavor. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
What To Serve With It
When I make homemade meatballs, I love pairing them with pasta like spaghetti or ziti for a classic combo. If I’m in the mood for something simpler, I’ll grab crusty bread or a baguette to soak up the sauce. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with these options!
Pasta Pairings
Whenever I’m making homemade meatballs, I love thinking about the perfect pasta to pair with them—it’s like finding the right dance partner for a great meal. Spaghetti is a classic choice, its long strands twirling around each meatball for a bite that’s pure comfort. If I want something heartier, I go with rigatoni or penne; their ridges hold onto the sauce, making every forkful flavorful. For a lighter touch, angel hair pasta works wonders, letting the meatballs shine. No matter what I pick, the key is matching the pasta’s texture and shape to those juicy, tender meatballs.
Bread Options
Bread is the unsung hero of any meatball dinner, silently soaking up sauces and adding that extra layer of comfort. I love serving meatballs with crusty Italian bread or fluffy garlic bread—it’s a match made in carb heaven. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toast ciabatta or baguette slices for a crunchy bite. For a fun twist, I’ll make meatball sliders with soft dinner rolls, perfect for little hands or quick snacks. Sometimes, I’ll even go for a hearty piece of sourdough to balance the richness. No matter what, bread makes every meatball meal feel complete and satisfying.
