Description
Sink your fork into these Juicy Italian Meatballs—the ultimate comfort food that brings the warmth of Nonna’s Sunday dinners to your kitchen. Simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are perfect for pasta nights, hearty sub sandwiches, or even served solo with a chunk of crusty bread. Whether you’re craving an easy dinner, planning for meal prep, or hunting for classic dinner ideas, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. A go-to for quick homemade meals, and one of the best food ideas for gatherings or weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 lb ground pork
2/3 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
3 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp whole milk
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
2. Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a tray or plate.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown meatballs on all sides in batches; transfer to a plate.
4. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Stir in tomato paste until darkened.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return meatballs to the sauce. Simmer on low, covered, for 25–30 minutes, stirring gently.
7. Serve hot over pasta, in a sub roll, or on their own with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
Notes
Use a meat mixture (beef + pork) for optimal flavor and moisture.
Let the meatball mix rest for 10 minutes before rolling—it hydrates the breadcrumbs and enhances texture.
If short on time, use quality store-bought marinara and bake meatballs instead of pan-searing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: juicy Italian meatballs, meatballs in tomato sauce, easy dinner, pasta recipe, Sunday dinner