Description
Classic Italian meatballs made from seasoned beef and pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect served with pasta or as a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Form into 1-1.5 inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes.
- Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until meatballs reach 160°F (70°C) internal temperature.
Notes
- Do not overmix meat to avoid tough meatballs.
- Brown meatballs gently to get a golden crust without burning.
- Let meatball mixture rest for 30 minutes before cooking for better flavor melding.
- Use day-old bread for breadcrumbs for better moisture absorption.
- Adjust seasoning of sauce to taste before serving.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on stove or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Italian meatballs with tomato sauce, classic meatball recipe, homemade meatballs, meatballs with marinara sauce, Italian comfort food