What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These homemade meatballs are sure to become your new favorite comfort food, combining simplicity with amazing flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, they’re versatile and packed with heartwarming goodness.
- Effortless to make with pantry staples, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Moist, tender, and bursting with savory flavor, thanks to a blend of fresh herbs and spices.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prepping, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Recipe
Intro
These homemade meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with pasta, sandwiches, or enjoying on their own. Made with simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, parsley, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs (about 20–24).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10–12 minutes).
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in the skillet and finish cooking them in marinara sauce.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for later use.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Paper towels
Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
Cuisine
Italian
Serving
4–6 servings
Nutrition
Nutritional information for homemade meatballs may vary based on ingredients and serving size. Here are the approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
What To Serve With It
When I make homemade meatballs, I love pairing them with pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic combo. If I’m craving something simpler, fresh bread or garlic knots work perfectly to soak up all that delicious sauce. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with these hearty, flavorful sides.
Pasta Pairings
There’s nothing like a plate of homemade meatballs to make a meal feel comforting, but pairing them with the right pasta can take dinner from good to unforgettable. I always reach for spaghetti—its long, thin strands cradle the meatballs perfectly, letting sauce cling to every bite. Penne works wonders too, with its ridges holding onto sauce and creating a hearty, satisfying bite. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss them with tagliatelle or fettuccine, letting the wide noodles soak up every drop of flavor. No matter what I choose, the pasta becomes the co-star, elevating those tender meatballs into a meal I can’t resist.
Bread Options
Although meatballs and pasta are a classic combo, I’ve found that adding the perfect bread on the side can turn the meal into something truly special. A crusty baguette is my go-to—it’s great for soaking up sauce, and the crunch contrasts nicely with tender meatballs. Garlic bread, warm and buttery, adds a flavorful kick, while soft dinner rolls keep things simple and comforting. For a twist, try focaccia with its herby, olive oil-rich taste. No matter what you pick, fresh, warm bread elevates the dish, making it feel like a feast. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
