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A close-up of golden-brown Italian meatballs nestled in a rich marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves, served on a rustic white plate with a side of crusty bread. The meatballs have a slightly crispy exterior with a moist interior visible through a slight crack, and the sauce glistens under warm lighting.

Irresistible Authentic Italian Meatballs: Easy & Delicious!

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Discover how to make irresistibly authentic Italian meatballs that are tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or family dinners, these traditional Italian meatballs bring the rich flavors of Italy straight to your table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: about 20 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (preferably chuck or sirloin)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (or substitute with additional beef)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for cooking or serving)
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly without overmixing.
  2. Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch diameter meatballs using your hands or a scoop and place on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 5-7 minutes until evenly golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet or a separate pan. Bring to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs. Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until cooked through.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs and high-quality meat for the best flavor.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • To prepare in advance, form and brown the meatballs, then refrigerate or freeze before simmering in sauce.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop and simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball
  • Calories: 85 Kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg