Description
These Homemade Italian Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, made with a flavorful blend of beef, pork, and veal. The secret to their tenderness lies in soaking bread in milk, ensuring juicy and soft meatballs every time. Simmered in a rich marinara sauce, they are perfect for serving over pasta, as an appetizer, or in a hearty sandwich. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes or homemade recipes packed with flavor, this dish will become a family favorite
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups fresh marinara sauce
- 4 slices Italian bread, crusts removed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground veal
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Tear the bread into small pieces and soak it in the milk for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, pork, veal, and eggs until combined.
- Add the breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Gently incorporate the soaked bread and Parmesan cheese into the mixture.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 3 oz each. Place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-60 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve hot with extra sauce and Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Serve over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer.
- Substitute veal with more beef or pork if preferred.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 504
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg